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Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
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Images
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
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Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
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magazine
Text
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LOCAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS ~ WORLD NEWS ~ LIFESTYLE FITNESS ~ TRAVEL N ADVICE
THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA
ENTERTAINMENT
ClI’4ARI::!ON ALLtANC£
FOUNDATION
Oklahoma’s Oldest LGBT Organizations Seal Partnership on page-3
VOLUME 7 ISSUE 9 TwiRer.com/MetroStarNews ..... MetroStarNews.com FREE I SEPTEMBER 1,2010
Roth, Askins, Edmondson speak at
Oklahoma Democratic Party event
By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
California same-sex marriages Mocked
for several more months
By Rex Wockner
At the Democratic H, ofFame Dinner in
~bematorial candidate Lt. GovernorJari Askins (¢ (r)
andfo~Tner Cotporation Commissioner event emcee, Jim Roth. Robin D-Townsend
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ At
the Oklahoma Democratic Party 2010
Homecoming Rally and Activists Hall
of Fame Dinner, Attorney General Drew
Edrnondson made it "crystal clear" that he
supports Lt. Governor Jari Askins in the
race for Governor of Oldahoma. Opponents
in the primary dection, both candidates
maintained mutual respect noted statewide by
citizens as well as many media oudets. Asldns
won the nomination garnering 50.28% of the
vote.
"We have got to elect Jari Askins
Governor of this state, no question about it. I
support Jari Asldns without reservation, and
I will do everything I can to get her elected
governor of Oklahoma," Edmondson said
as he delivered a heartfelt speech supporting
Astdns.
Asldns fol!owed the intro by saying, "I am
truly proud to stand in front of you as your
candidate for Governor. It takes every one of
us, but together, we can make this happen.
........Continued See ODP Page-7
Cowboys and Cowgirls to invade Tulsa
By Michael W. Sasser
Contributing Writer
TULSA, OK __ Oklahoma’s gay countrytinged
community is welcoming back the
Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA)
Rodeo this year with the 2010 Sooner
State Stampede, October 1 - 3 at the fully
equipped and handsome Bridle Creek Horse
Ranch and Resort in Sperry.
N~e Sooner State Stampede represents the
return of SSRA rodeo after several year hiatus.
~e International Gay Rodeo Association
(IGRA) sanctions the rodeo and it is one of
the most anticipated events for the regional
gay community. It is expected to attract a host
of competitors and fans for a fun celebration
of al! things western including both good
spirited competition and of course some great
fun.
~ousands march in. California Aug. 4 in celebration ofJudge Vaughn Walker) mding that
PropOsition 8 was unconstitutional. Photo @ DavidPoller
SAN FRANCISCO, CA The 9th U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 16 blocked
any same-sex marriages from taking place
in California while proponents of the state’s
marriage ban appeal the Aug. 4 district-court
ruling that found Proposition 8 in violation
of the U.S. Constitution.
The appeals court said it will hear the case
the week of Dec. 6, and it set up an expedited
briefing schedule for the case’s attorneys.
The court also ordered the proponents of
the ban to prove that they have "standing" ro
appeal the decision made by District Judge
Va~ughn Walker.
The actual defendants in the case,
including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and
Attorney General Jerry Brown, have refused
to defend Prop 8, and the Court ofAppeals’
order seemed sympathetic to the idea that
proponents of the ban, as "defendantintervenors,"
are not properly situated to
appeal Walker’s ruling.
If they are not that could end the case
and same-sex marriage would again be legal
in California under Walker’s original ruling,
although a decision on standing could be
appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The
defendant-intervenors are the same people
who put Prop 8 on the ballot in 2008 to
overturn the state’s legalization of same-sex
marriage.
"The 9th Circuit put the appeal on a
fast track and specifically directed the Prop
8 proponents to address ’why the appeal
should not be dismissed for lack ofArticle
III standing’ in their opening brief," said the
National Center for Lesbian Rights. "That
means the court will consider whether the
proponents of Prop 8 have the right to file an
appeal at the same time that it is considering
whether Judge Walker’s decision that Prop
8 violates the federal Constitution is legally
correct."
.........Continued See MARRIAGES Page-5
Headquartered in Tulsa, the Sooner State
Rodeo Association is a Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual
and Transgender non-profit organization
dedicated to performing charitable duties for
the surrounding area through fund-raisers,
horse shows, and rodeo performances. SSRA
was organized for individuals interested in
western related events such as rodeos and
horse shows, horseback riding, western/
square dancing, and clogging. SSRA bars
all prejudices related to sex, national origin,
sexual orientation, religion, race or any other
prejudice the organization may encounter.
Sooner State Rodeo Association was
founded in 2002 to give men and women
in the northeastern Oklahoma interested
in promoting and participating in rodeo
a new avenue of expression. They host
fundraisers for Tulsa area charities as well as
their own organization. SSRA holds royalty
competitions each October for Mr. SSRA,
Ms. SSRA, Miss and MisTer SSRA. Royalty
is an important part of their organization
as they represent SSRA at rodeos and
fundraising events.
SSRA is one of 28 member associations
of the IGRA. IGRA serves to foster the sport
of rodeo amongst other country and western
activities. IGRA along with its fellow
........Continued See RODEO Page-4
No maffer who yot
are on life’s journ~
Bani"uptcv o Civil Rights oCriminN
iment: LJ Jga Jon
625 . Sth street
MIDLAND REGION CHAPTERS of the
Presen The
Oct 15 o 17
Register Now!
~obwmtmid~and.org
~.NABWNT.ORG
For more information contact
Doug Reynolds at
816-444-3692
djdoug268@aol.com
Crown Plaza Hotel
Oklahoma City, OK
~,.~[..e[_g....e...i~..h ,.eT,~ ~:
"5~(~ l~,;;n~hCich2gPoters:
PACT Cleveland
MACT Dallas
MACT Kentucky
BWMT Milwaukee
BWMT Detroit
Form÷~" Chapters:
PACT St Louis
MACT Kansas City
MACT Youngstown
MACT Indianapolis
2 September t, 2010
Now is the time to work for real and lasting ctange
"I am convinced that while our party is not perfect full equality for GLBT
Americans will come much faster with Democrats in charge. More than ever now
is the rime to be strong and continue to work for real and lasting change." Michael
Mitchell, Executive Director National Stonewall Democrats
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
National Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Michael ~a/iitchell zoith Oklahoma Stonewall
Democrats Secretary ~ctor Gorin
WASHINGTON, DC __ kanid the
excitement of marriage equality making new
history for the GEBT community and all
Americans, the Stonewall Democrats held
their National Convention in V/ashington
D.C. July 30-August 1 at the Capitol Hilton
Hotel. Drawing delegates from all over
the country, from New Jersey to Nevada,
as expected there was much discussion of
marriage equality on a natiomvide and state
by state basis, the military "Don’t ask don’t
Tell" policy still in place, and affirming
Stonewall’s alliance with organized labor
which includes giving their business to
unionized hotels, airlines and other goods and
services whenever possible.
Founded in 1997, the Stonewall
Democrats is America’s only grassroots GLBT
organization of the Democratic Party. They
are focused on malting change primarily in
three ways: Educating the GLBT community
about the differences between the political
parties, mobilizing the GLBT community to
get out the vote for fair-minded Democrats,
and to oppose the efforts of Republicans
when they attempt to roll back or obstruct
progress for the GLBT community while
working with the Democratic Party in
the struggle for equality. Viith over 90
chapters across the country including one
in Oldahoma City formed in 2001, their
members do the work of calling voters,
doing mailings and other assistance for good
candidates while working with local and state
Democratic Party officials.
Along with a tour of our capital city
and the White House, the delegates heard
from several noteworthy speakers including
the Executive Director of the Democratic
National Committee Jen O’Malley, along
with U.S. House Representative Jared
Polis ( Colorado’ Democrat District 2)
who is the Ist openly gay man elected to
Congress as a fi’eshman. %ey al]~ heard
from two of our proudest straight allies, U.S.
Representative Patrick Murphy (Democrat-
Pennsylvania District 8), who was the first
Iraqi war veteran to serve in Congress who
is an ardent opponent of the U.S. military’s
"Don’t ask Don’t Tell" policy along with
U.S. Representative Dina Titus ( Nevada
Democrat-District 3).
The meeting concluded Sunday August
1 with Executive Director Michael Mitchell
wishing the delegates well and encouraging
them in the work facing them in the fall
elections.
Speaking ofOklahoma
values
By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ CNN
spent an afternoon at the campaign office of
Brittany Novotny, taping for an upcoming
segment ofAmerican Morning. Novomy is
the candidate who seeks to unseat Sally Kern,
the current representative of State House
District 84. Kern is known worldwide for a
speech when she told a group of supporters
that homosexuality is "The biggest threat that
our nation has, even more than terrorism or
Islam."
Novotny said of Kern, "She has angered a
lot of people with the kind of divisive rhetoric
she has used. She has been out of touch with
the issues. We are at the bottom in teacher
....... Continued See NOVOTNY Page 7
AIDS Walk OKC A Tradition
ofHope Now at a new Time and
Location
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
OKLAHOMA CITY%
O.KLAHOMA CITY, OK When the AIDS virtu
first surfaced in the United States during the early 1980s it
not only cost many lives, it created a climate and fear and
resurrected homophobia that overshadowed a period of
increased acceptance of the GLBT community. The epidemic
was used by conservative religious and political leaders to
foster homophobia, even referred to as a "gay plague:" by
the late Reverend Jerry Falxvell. In answer to a lack of serious
action at first by government officials and mainstream society,
gay activists took the lead in the fight against AIDS, increasing
Funding for research and public education about HI.V. When
NBA Star Magic ~ohnson revealed that he had AIDS, more
straight allies joined this cause when it became obvious that
the virus did not discriminate.
Organizations formed in Oklahoma City to help those
at~cted by HIV, many ofwhich are with us today including
RAIN (Regional Aids Interfaith Network), Other Options,
and the Winds House. Vvrhat these agencies had in common
was a desperate need for funds, thus beginning AIDS Walk
OKC.
~e first AIDS Walk OKC came together in 1998, and
it has grown to be one of Oklahoma City’s most prominent
annual events. Money raised from the ,valks is distributed to
various Oklahoma agencies helping those infected or affected
by HIV including not only the before mentioned agencies,
but also others involved including Planned Parenthood and
the Latino Community Development Agency. In previous
years it has been held in October beginning at the Crystal
Gardens, but this year there has been a change of time and
location with increased activity.
It all happens on Sunday September 19, beginning with
a 5K run sponsored by Dell. Registration for the run will
begin at 11:00 a.m., beginning in Bricktown at the corner
ofJoe Carter Drive and Rent Avenue, and the runners take
off at 12:30 that afternoon Registration to participate is $20
if purchased in advance, or $25 the day of the run. One car~
register online at www.aidswalkokc.org.
The AIDS Walk itself will take place that afternoon
beginning at Bricktowffs Sonic Plaza ( !ocated on the south
side of Rent Avenue across from the AT&T Brickmwn
Ballpark), and the theme this year is "Each Step brings
Hope." There is free reserved parking for participants, with
registration beginning at 12:30 p.m. with step 9fiat 2 p.m.
Before the walk one can check out vendors and service
organizations that xvill have booths for this event which is free
and open to the public.
For more information on how to participate contact info@
aidswalkokc.org. AIDS Walk OKC is a 501 c3"organization, so
all contributions are tmx deductible
State’s Oldest LGBT
Organizations Seal Partnership
PONCA CITY, OK (PR) __ On July 31, 2010 leaders
from Oklahoma City based Cimarron Alliance Foundation
and Tulsa based Oklahomans for Equality met in Ponca City
for the purpose of signing a Memorandum of Understanding
that creates a statewide partnership. These two organizations
are the state’s oldest advocacy and education groups for
Oldahoma’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Combined, they have nearly a half-century of advocating for
this population.
According to Toby Jenkins, President of the Oldahomans
for Equality Board of Directors, the organizations have had
a cordial relationship for years. "\re have always had the
highest regard for Cimarron Alliance and they have been very
supportive of Oklahomans for Equality as welt. This past
year our organizations have had a very intentional approach
in working together. The time is right to formalize our
partnership."
Scott J. Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron
Alliance, concurs with Jenkins. "For the past six months
our organizations have deve!oped an amazing working
relationship. Our missions are very complementary and we
hold OIcEq’s leadership in very high esteem. We believe that
we can accomplish far more together than either of us can on
our own.
Jenkins and Hamilton believe that this initiative will have
far-reaching benefits for Oklahoma’s gay community. It forms
the framework for more cohesive program development,
legislative work and, ultimately they believe, serving as a
powerful voice for LGBT Oklahomans throughout the state.
"We are not merging our organizations," said Hamilton.
"Instead, we are capitalizing on each other’s strengths and
experience to serve more people than ever before."
The choice of Ponca City as the location for the MOU
signing was, according to Jenkins, very intentional.
"We chose Ponca City because it is a neutral site, rich with
Oklahoma nationally recognized landmarks and history. On
September 16, 1893, the greatest land run in the history of
the state began right here in Ponca City. More than 100,000
eager land-seekers raced for claims. Their stories are of
endurance, hope, pride and determination, and are all of the
things our organizations represent," said Jenkins.
Hamilton echoed Jenkins’ sentiments and noted that
Ponca City is representative of many Oklahoma towns and
cities. "We love the history and symbolism here in Ponca
City. We could, though, have chosen any place from here
to Ardmore, from the Otdahoma Panhandle to the hills of
southeastern Oldahoma. Our goal today is to demonstrate
that Oklahomans for Equality and Cimarron Alliance
Foundation are dedicated to addressing the needs of every
LGBT adolescent, adult, and senior as well as their families,
friends and loved ones in Oklahoma" he said.
As important as this MOU is to both organizations,
Hamilton and Jenkins indicated this is only the first step
of a broader plan to include other organizations. "This
creates a statewide partnership that will broaden our reach
immediately," said Jenkins. "But as we move forward, we
envision inviting many other organizations to join with us,"
he continued.
"In time we will welcome LGBT groups and other allied
organizations to partner with us," said Hamilton. "~ais way
we gain strength and provide even greater empowerment and
support for individuals and groups. \Vgorking together there is
no limit to the advances we can make toward equali~ for all
Oldahomans," he concluded.
Oklahomans for Equality, originally called Oklahomans
for Human Rights, began in 1980. The organization seelcs
equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
individuals and fan~ities through advocacy, education,
programs, alliances and the operation of the Dennis R Neill
Equality Center.
The mission of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation,
founded in 1995, is to support educational efforts that
validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and
advance equality for LGBT Oldahomans.
The full Memorandum of Understanding can be viewed
at the organizations’ respective websites: okeq.org and
cimarronalliance.org.
TEN Co’Founder Elected to
National Post ¯
Laura Belmonte, President The Equality
Nelwork (TEN)
TULSA, OK (PR) The Equality Network would like
to congratulate our co-founder and vice-president, Laura
Belmonte, on her election to the Board of Directors of the
Equality Federation, the national alliance of state-based
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organizations.
The Equality Federation announced the move during their
annual summer meeting in Baltimore, MD.
"I am honored to be elected by my colleagues from across
the country to serve on the Equality Federation Board of
Directors," Belmonte said. "As we continue taking important
steps toward equality here in Oklahoma, I am excited to
play an active role in building the LGBT equality movement
on the national level. Pro-LGBT victories in places like
Utah, Alabama, and South Carolina prove that the model
of statewide advocacy pioneered by Equality Federation
members works in challenging political climates. That is an
inspiration - and a charge for action - for those of us working
in the Sooner state."
The Equality Federation ~vorks to achieve equality for
LGBT people in every state and territory by building strong
and sustainable statewide organizations in state-based
movements. The Equality Network (TEN) is represents
Oklahoma in the national alliance.
The Equality Network works to achieve equality and
secure legal protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender Oldahomans through advocacy, coalition
building, and individual empowerment in the political
process.
Ride Arc
TULSA, OK (PR) A special reception to honor and
meet Danielle Girdano will be held Saturday September 4th,
2010 6:00 pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, Tulsa.
Sponsored by PFLAG Tulsa and the Dennis R. Nell Equality
Center, Ride the Arc is a first-of-its kind multi-state bicycle
ride for equality and justice. Spearheaded by athlete Danielle
Girdano, Ride the Arc intends to publicize the need for equal
rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT)
people to raise awareness about the high GLBT suicide rate,
and to promote places ofwelcome and refuge and affirming
groups. Commencing in Minneapolis on August 9th, it will
end in Dallas on September 18, the eve ofDallas’s GLBT
Pride Weekend.
The 1,300 mile distance requires Danielle’s faith to guide
and sustain her as she trains for Ride the Arc. Danielle will
carry the message of love and inclusion every mile of her
ride. Join Danielle for the ride of her life, and help change
the world for GLBT people everywhere. For info: (www.
ridethearc.org) Make donations payable to Ride the Arc.
September i, 20i0 3
It’s About a Lot More than
Marriage
Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern
is foaming at the mouth again. She declared
it "horrific" that this week’s ruling that
California’s ban on same-gender marriage is
unconstitutional.
After I gave an interview on KTOK
Radio this morning, she told the station that
"homosexuality- is a behavior and the question
must be asked whether all behaviors are equal.
Tlais is a behavior and it’s a behavior that has
been proven scientifically and statistically to
be a deadly behavior."
Ofcourse this is nonsense. One’s sexual
orientation is not a behavior. That’s aldn
to saying Sally’s brown hair is a behavior.
Sexual orientation and gender identity are
like height, eye color, right handedness; they
are all part of our makeup. But we shouldn’t
expect truth from Sally.
The website examiner.corn reported
earlier that Sally said gay marriage is a form
of"debauchery like abortion, porn6graphy,
sex trafficldng, divorce, illegitimate births and
child abuse." She even went so far as to blame
gay marriage on the nation’s economic woes.
And we all remember when Sally said that
LGBT folks pose a greater risk to the United
States than terrorism.
Friends, you can’t make this stuff UP" This
is the reality of where we are toda}:
t heard a syndicated radio host last night
talldng about a revolution because "activist
judges" are not abiding by the will of the
people. Odd, isn’t it, how only those judges
that make rulings not in line with ultra
conservatives are labeled as activists.
tf decisions of equality were left up to
the will of the people, ~’rican-Americans
would still be riding at the back of the bus
and women would stil! not have the right
to vote. If it truly is the ~vill of the people in
this country to deny rights to others and to
provide one level ofjustice for some people
and another level for others, then we’ve no
choice but to continue our procession to the
courts.
The claims that allowing same-gender
couples to marry violates the institution of
marriage mystifies me. How in the ~vorld can
my being married to another man impact
negatively the marriage of a straight couple?
Allowing two men or two women to marry,
offering them the same rights as any other
couple, strengthens the fabric of this country.
Ultimately, though, this is not about
marriage. It is about unequal treatment.
It is about withholding rights. It is about
denying liberty and justice and the pursuit of
happiness to millions ofAirier,cans.
And this takes gay marriage from a gay
issue to a human rights issue. Every good
person, regardless of sexual orientation or
gender identity, has a moral obligation to
stand firm for equality for all people. We need
every LGBT person and every family member
of a lesbian, gay ,nan, bisexual or transgender
person. We need honest legislators with
integrity and pastors with compassion. We
need educators and journalists and attorneys
who will not back away from what is right.
\re must work together, speak togethe,;
march together, vote together, and love
together.
This is not about the future for LGBT
persons. It is about the future of our nation.
Scott J. Hamilton, Executive Director
Cimarron Alliance Foundation
Religion and Sex Best
Conducted by Consenting
Adults in Private
From the smallest crossroads one stop
light town to the largest state in the American
Union, religion has stood in the municipallegislative
door to stop the recognition of
gay/lesbian cM1 rights.
Ten countries now recognize and support
same-gender marriage. They are Argentina,
Canada, Portugal, Spain, Holland, Belgium,
Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and South Africa,
according to the International Lesbian and
Gay Law Association, (www.ILGLaw.org) .
Many of these countries govern their people
without the profound religious obeisance
that interferes with the passage of any
pro-gay/lesbian law, ordinance, or policy in
the United States, regardless of the level of
governance.
Our national myth of being founded on
equality is a shell game.
N~e real root of America’s founding was
the need for a fundamentalist sect to escape
to a region of the world where they could call
their own repressive religious shots without
the need to compromise with other faith
POVs. Eventually other denominations and
sects infected even the Puritan tradition.
Some colonies required membership and
tithing towards particular churches even if the
citizen choose not to attend services:
Rhode Island was the first colony to
recognize religious freedom of conscience.
Maryland had a back-and-forth struggle
regarding recognition of the Catholic and
Protestant faiths. Each side suppressed the
other when they had the POLITICAL power
to do so.
Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for
Religious Freedom from 1779 reads:
"[N]o man shall be compelled to frequent
or support any religious worship, place, or
ministry whatsoever; nor shall be enforced,
restrained, molested, or burthened in his
body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on ¯
account of his religiouS opinions or belief,
but that all men shall be free to profess, and
by argument to maintain, their opinions in
matters of religion, and that the same shall in
no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil
capacities."
Tlae language of the Jefferson statute
clearly alludes to the suppression of
fi’eedom of conscience and the coercion
of property experienced in many of the
Colonies. Jefferson was so proud of this
accomplishment that the title is engraved, at
his direction, on his grave market; but NOT
the fact he was a president of the United
States. ( http://en.wildpedia.org/wikil
Freedom of religion )
Women are not mentioned in the
Constitution and were only recognized
nationally as legal voters in 1920 with
passage of the Nineteenth Ainendment.
African-Airier,can slaves and the indigenous
Americans were spedfically enumerated as
3/5ths of a person. Several American states
had educational tests or poll taxes to maintain
power over minorities who the majority
wanted disenfranchised from voting or
removed fi’om any other participation in the
governing process.
It’s no wonder gays and lesbians are
treated as non-entities in much of federal law.
4 September 1, 2010
Every minority in American history
has had to fight tooth-and-nail for legal
recognition under the law and our gay/lesbian
equality fight is no different.
I think the so called sacred "institution"
of marriage is as much a miasma as the myth
ofAmerica’s founding being based in equality.
There’s nothing sacred about it. gC~y do the
50 states allow completely~secular marriages
with absolutely no mention of religious faith?
Those non-religious marriages using only
a state marriage license are just as valid as
the recent marriage of Chelsea Clinton and
the spending of an estimated three million
dollars.
The emotionalohopes and expectations
associated with marriage have long been
diminished by the actions of the heteros
themselves.
My relationship with my partner has
lasted 33 years with total commitment toward
each other in spite of the failure of our state
and federal governments to give us aW of the
support that hetero couples receive in spite
of our paying more per centum of taxes than
hetero couples 0fthe same income level.
My partner and I want the same tax and
other economic benefits that the heteros are
getting.
Judge Vaughn \Valker’s Prop 8 opinion
is the very first major statement that plainly
addresses the religiously-bigoted and sociallyignorant
prejudices held against gays and
lesbians. ( http:/hinyurl.com/28jm16s )
Whether it’s called marriage or domesticpartner
benefits makes no difference to
us. I’ve long said our gay/lesbian equality
movement was using the xvrong word for
America’s profound sky-god-believing
majority" to accept. There’s no way too much
political, legal, and emotional water under the
bridge to recover the separation of church and
state argument regarding marriage equality.
We don’t need a religious blessing,
societal approval or the neighborhood
welcoine wagon to make a stop at our door in
order to be American citizens.
\Vge need ONLY the judicial and
legislative equality of law, that’s all, JUST
THE LAW!!!
We’ll take care of our own private
emotional feelings towards one another,
thank you very rauch!
Keep religion confined along with sexual
activity in private among consenting adults.
James Nimmo
Oldalaoma City, OK
Obamacare Pre-existing
Condition Insurance
Now Enrolling
By Healthy Living Ne~vs
Some call it health reform, some
Obamacare, yet many with a pre-existing
heath condition and no health insurance
may call it a life saver. For them the xvait for
affordable health insurance may be over.
The Pre-existing Condition Insurance
Plan (PCIP), part of the new Affordable
Care Act, is now enrolling, enabling at last
chronically ill and uninsured individuals
access to affordable health insurance.
"For too long, Americans xvith preexisting
conditions have been locked out"
said Secretary Kathleen Sebdius. "The Pre-
Existing Condition Insurance Plan gives them
a new option - the same insurance coverage
as a healthy individual."
The PCIP provides an opportunity for
LGBT community members, many ofwhom
have been denied, or could not afford, health
insurance because of HIV, diabetes, cancer, or
other once exclusionary conditions.
Federally funded at $5 billion, PCIP is
slated to provide a broad range of health
coverage including primary and specialty care,
hospital care, and prescription drugs. Once
enrolled coverage begins immediately and will
provide limitless health insurance coverage,
low deductible with low co-payments, at least
in theory.
Early enrollment is being encouraged,
howevm; as PCIP’s popularity may be
substantial and there is concern that there
may not be enough funding to meet the
potential demand. By enrolling early you can
ensure that you won’t be put on a waiting
list. Ttae federal government and or states
will administer PCIP so enrollment costs and
eligibility, requirements may vary fi’om state
to state.
PCIP will run until 2014 when it will
be replaced by more affordable insurance
exchanges from which even members of
congress will have to purchase their insurance.
In the meantime, the AIDS Drug Assistance
and Ryan White programs will remain in
place, that is for as long as they are funded.
If you are in need of health insurance
coverage due to a pre-existing condition visit
healthcare.gov. As enrolhnent may require
proof of a pre-existing condition contact your
member organizations such as SSRA donate
thousands of dollars each year to charities.
Winners from this year’s rodeo ,nay go
on to compete at IGRA’s World Gay Rodeo
Finals in Laughlin, Nevada.
Its location, a terrific host hotel and a fun
calendar of events have buoyed anticipation
of the Sooner State Stampede. The Ramada
Tulsa Airport East~.l 010 North Garnett
is the host hotel, with Bridle Creek (www.
bridlecreekok.com) .just a few minutes away.
\vgith mention of SSRA, the hotel rate is just
$55.
The Sooner State Stampede fun starts on
Thursday, Sept. 30 with a 7pro - 9pro VIP
Party at Club 209.
Friday October 1, 6pm-9pm: Registration
at hotel and arena. 6pm-8pm: Entertainment
(All IGRA & Association Royalty are invited
to perform) 8pm-9pm: Live performance
by Gary Robert Strickland from Growing
Mylow. 9pm-til Homorodeo.com Meet &
Greet at Tulsa Eagle.
Saturday, October 2, 7:30pm: Buses
load at the hotel for the Bar Crawl. $5.00
admission 8:00pro: Bar Cravd
Sm~day, October 3, 7:00pro: Awards
Banquet at Club Majestic. In addition
to rodeo events the weekend features
entertainment and bus transportation.
For more information about the Sooner
State Roundup, admission and schedule of
events, visit ww~v.soonerstaterodeo.com.
By Rex Wockner
Media decides Prop 8 found himselfin an identical situation of
ruling on an issue that is related to his or her judge is gay sexual orientation.
Michelangelo Signorile, who has been
credited with inventing outing when he ~vas
a columnist at New York’s defunct OutWeek
magazine in 1989, said the Walker outing
was "a testament to how easily the media is
manipulated by the right into doing things
about which editors and reporters claim to be
staunchly opposed."
He said the Walker repor~ amounted to
"outrageous hypocri~ ... on the part of the
corporate medid’ because "even with proof
and evidence, news or~nizations reuse to
report on the secretly gay sexu~ orientation
of conservative, ~ti-~y politicians and
public figures when the ~rgument for their
exposure is made from the left."
U.S. District CourtJudge Vaughn Walker
Lady Gaga denounces
Arizona immigrants law
In a break with past practice on outing,
the U.S. mainstream media decided in early
August that U.S. District Judge Vaughn
Walker, who struck down Proposition 8
as unconstitutional, is gay, openly gay or
reportedly gay.
W’alker has never publiCly said ifhe~ gay
o~ s~raight. In the p~t~ U:S~ mainsffeam
media have avoided Outing people who’ve
chosen nor to out .themselves. .......
Most of the reports either attributed
Walker’s alleged gayness to other mainstream
reports or said it is common knowledge in
certain San Francisco circles. Some reports
flat-out called him "openly gay," without
attributing the assertion to any event or
individual.
~le Associated Press took the plunge on
Aug. 6, writing: "Rumors have circulated
for months that Walker is gay, fueled by the
blogosphere and a San Francisco Chronicle
column that stated his sexual orientation
was an ’open secret’ in legal and gay activism
circles. Walker himself hasn’t addressed the
speculation, and he did not respond to a
request for comment by ~e Associated Press
on Xhursday."
"l-he New York Times wrote, "Several
published reports have stated that the judge is
himself gay."
New York’s Daily News said, "The federal
judge who upended California’s samesex
marriage ban this week is now being
scrutinized by some for being gay himself."
Fox News called Walker "one of three
openly gay federal judges in the country," and
a CNN opinion piece called him "an~ openly
gay federal judge."
The Washington Post let a political analyst
call Walker "openly gay."
Anti-gay activists have suggested that
Walker’s purported gayness means he
shouldn’t have accepted the Prop 8 case, since
it deals with whether marriage is only for
straight people or also for gay people.
~i1~e anti-gay activists did not address ~e
fact that a heterosexual judge would have
Lady Gaga. Photo by Rex Wockner
Lady Gaga forcefully denounced Arizona’s
anti-immigrant law during a July 31 concert
in Phoenix.
Gaga said she had been asked tO boycott
Arizona "and I said, ’You really think that us
dumb fucldng pop stars are gonna collapse
the economy ofArizona?’"
"(We need to) actively protest prejudice
and injustice and the bullshit that is put on
our society," she said. "I will not cancel my
show. I will yell and I will scream louder and
I wil! hold you and we will hold each other
and we will peacably protest this state."
"Do not be afraid because if it wasn’t for
all of you immigrants, this country wouldn’t
have shit," the pop diva told concertgoers.
The law, lm0wn as S.B. !070, requires
pol!ce to check an individual’s immigration
status if an officer suspects the i;xdividual may
be in the U.S. illegally.
LGBT direct-action group GetEQUAL
had asked Gaga to take a stand against the
law, saying it makes it "a crime to be brown."
Gay people are much more likely than
straight people to oppose the la~,v, a Harris
Interactive poll found.
Sixty-three percent ofLGBT Americans
oppose the law and 45 percent of LGBT
Americans strongly oppose it. However, 60
percent of straight people support the law and
41 percent s.upport it strongly.
The poll also found that, because of the
law, 43 percent ofLGBT respondents are less
likely to vacation in Arizona and 36 percent
are less likely to attend a convention there.
The proponents’ opening brief is due Sepf.
17, the plaintiffs’ opposing brief is due Oct.
18 and the proponents’ reply brief is due Nov.
1.
A decision that the proponents lack
standing could come in December. If the
9th Circuit Court decides the proponents
have standing and goes on to consider the
constitutionality of Prop 8, it would not be
expected to isstie a decision until sometime in
early 2011. Either decision could be appealed
to the U.S. Supreme Court. -
Meanwhile, the plaintiffs challenging Prop
8 could appeal the 9th Circuit’s current stay
to the U.S. Supreme Court right now but
have given no indication they will do so.
Robin Tyler, whose marriage to Diane
Olson was the first same-sex marriage in
southern California two years ago, said the
stay is deeply disappointing.
"We are tired of our emotions being
batted around like pingpong balls," Tyler said.
"Gays and lesbians are human beings, and
there is not one legal reason to delay same-sex
marriages in California. Martin Luther King
said, ’Justice delayed is justice denied.’ He
also said, ’Wait means never.’ Once again, our
hopes have been dashed."
NCLR Executig;e Director Kate Kende!l
said: "Every add~’ n~ o..n.a..l.day that cou.p.l.e.s.must
wait to marry again in California iS painful,
but despite the terrible disappointment for
the many couples whose right to marry has
been delayed yet again, today’s ruling includes
another significant victory for our side. The
court did the right thing by putting the case
on a fast track and specifically ordering that
Prop 8 proponents show why they have a
legal right to appeal. This ruling brings us
one step closer to ending the nightmare of
Prop 8 and restoring full equality for all
Californians."
Lambda Legal called the stay "painful."
"We are saddened by the 9th
Circuit’s decision to maintain the stay
ofJudge Walker’s ruling that Prop 8 is
unconstitutional," said Jennifer Pizm; director
of the group’s Marriage Project. ’%7e very
much hoped to see same-sex couples again
free to celebrate their love and mutual
devotion through marriage starting later
this week. ~/e 1,mow this delay is painful for
couples in love, who have been denied their
basic rights for too long already."
She also said the 9th Circuit failed to
apply "the standard test for when a stay
should be ordered."
The test requires, among other things,
that an appellant prove a strong likelihood
of winning on appeal and that the appellant
would suffer an irreparable injury without
a stay. Judge Walker said the Prop 8
proponents failed to pass any part of the test.
The 9th Circuit’s order did not explain its
determination.
September 1, 20i0 i 5
O ahoma City Museum ofArt features Sketch to
Screen E ibition with Grand Finale
By Victor Gorin
Contributing Writer
"Ttxe work I have created for this show
hopes to evoke an experience of serenity,
energy and excitement for life - and silliness
out of the viewer. To summarize: this show is
an artistic collage of Seasons, Seasonings and
Sensations. I invite you to indulge and enjoy
my work."
° The show begins with a reception on
Thursda?; September 2nd fi’om 6-9pro and
continues throughout the month.
N
New Faces At Tulsa
Ballet
Featured at the Skyline Terraceparty Oklahoma City Icon Ginger Lamarpictured with longtime
partnerf~): Gorin photo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Film history
aficionados got a real treat when the Okdah0ma
City Museum of Art featured their Sketch
to Screen-The Art of Hollyw~*0od Costume
Design E>~ibit May 6 thru August 15. Cocreated
by Film Curator Brian Hearn and
Associate Curator Jenni}~r ~os, the exhibit
featm’ed costumes from films ranging from
Gone with the Wind to Legally B!onde. The
project was 3 years in the making, obtaining
articles for exhibition from other museums
and private collections throughout the country,
but also including two local contributors,
the O~:dahoma Cowboy & Western Heritage
Museum and the Oklahoma History Museum,
whose items were featured in the western
section of ti~e exhibit: Accompanying thi~
event was a film series of movies with costumes
shown in the exhibit including not only Gone
with the Wind, but also classics like Dick
Tracy, Atonement, and a sing a long party with
Mama Mia.
Mama Mia was part of the climax of
the exhibition, which was the Last Call
Party" held Thursday August 12. That party
featured a costume contest emceed by
Johnathan Kayne, a famous gay fashion
designer, and a party with a live DJ on the
Skyline Terrace featuring 2 Oklahoma City
icons of female impersonation, Ginger
Lamar and Lexus Carrin~on.
The Oklahoma City" Museum of Art
is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10
A.M. until 5:00 p.m. until October, with
Thursdays open until 9 p.m, with Sunday
hours from noon until 5 P.M. The museum
features an excellent restaurant, with dinner
& a movie package deals available. Museum
members aAso get discounts at Tulsds Circle
Cinema. For more information check
out their website is wv,¢aokcmoa.com,
telephone (405) 236 3100.
Art Opening and E ibit of Original Works:,
Photographs by Shelley McGoNn
TULSA, OK (PR) __ The September
Oldahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase
and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R.
Neitl EqualitT Center (621 E. 4th Street in
downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art of
Shelley McGoffin.
Shelley McGoNn is a Tulsa native. Her
art was originally inspired by her love of and
passion for food---eating it, cooldng it, looking
at pictures of it, collecting and displaying
plastic versions of it and talking about it. Her
first experiments with painting on canvas were
centered on exaggerated still life, food generally
the subject. Eventually she chose tO explore
the abstract art world of inner emotional
statements in this area Surrealism was always an
artistic inspiration to her Salvador Dali being
her main at~nity. Although her paintings are
not in the Surrealistic style, her abstract
works have a touch of their own surrealism.
Shelley’s art impacts her life thru its
ability to allow her to become a vessel into
which energy vibrations which did not
originate from her find a resonance. "The
act of painting a piece of art on canvas
is, for me a translation, a transmission of
my own inner passions onto a vessel thru
which I hope the viewer will experience an
intimate vibration of the energy originated
by and within me."
The current shmv for which she has
painted is all new material. It is differe~at
fi’om her previous works in that is draws
on her willingness and growing ability to
broaden her inspirational field and try new
stTles of abstract interpretation using vibrant
colors and images - channeling her spirit.uai
experiences with nature and equality.
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa Metro
Softball League, Tulsa’s only LGBT softball
league, is ge’aring up for its second fall season°
beginning September 19, 2010. Games vdll
play on Sundays in the early evening and last
through November 7, 2010.
This year TMSL has set up Fall Bal! to be
a relaxed social season enabling members to
mix & mingle and get to lmow one another.
It is also great for new members as it vcill
allow them to meet people, make friends,
and find or form a team for the competit@e
spring season!
Fall Ball registration will open on August
22, 2010. At 6PM on Sunday September 5th
TMSL will hold a "Draft" party at the Dennis
R. Neill Equality Center in Downtown Tulsa
where Volunteer Team Captains will select
players for one of eight teams from a "hat"
containing the tickets of all players registered
for Fall Ball. TMSL will provide team .jerseys
that players get to keep!
TMSL has three registration options for
players:
1. Players may register on an individual
single player ticket.
2. Couples may register with and be
placed on the same ticket as their girlfriend/
boyfriend/partner which guarantees they will
be on the same team.
3. Single players may find a friend, register
as a "couple", and be placed on the same
ticket guaranteeing they will be on the same
team.
Dues for TMSL Fall Ball 2010 are set at
$20.00 per player fi’om August 22, 2010 till
September 5, 2010. After the "Draft" late
registrations will be accepted with dues set at
$30.00 per player. Late registration will be
allowed until Opening Night, September 19,
2010 no registrations will be accepted after
Opening Night.
For more information on Fall
Ball & TMSL people can visit w~v.
TulsaMetroSoftball.com or emaiI at
TulsaMSL@gmail.com
Wang Yi, 7he Vertiginous Thrill ofExactitude
(William Forsythe)
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa Ballet artistic
director Marcello Angelini announced
today the addition of 12 new dancers to the
company’s roster for the 2010-2011 season.
"Tulsa Ballet brings the wood to our city,
not only in the global premieres we offer each
year, created by internationally recognized
choreographers, but in the ten nationalities
represented by our dancers," said Arlgelini.
The new dancers include:
Claudio Cocino joins the compaW
as demi-solist. From Turin, Italy, Cocino
trained at Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma and the
Royal Ballet School in London. In 2007, he
joined the Teatro Dell’Opera ballet company.
He won the L. Massine Positano prize for
the Art 0f Dance in Positano, Italy in 2009,
one of the most prestigious awards given to
rising stars or established dance personalities
in Italy.
Joining the corps de ballet are Forent
Bouyat - France, Jo@ Antonia Checa - Spain,
Alexandra Christian - U.S., Alex Harrison
- Great Britain, Rodrigo Hermesmeyer
- Brazil, Elise Miller - U.S., Gwdna~lle Poline
- France, Erin Pritchard - U.S., Jonathan
Ramirez - Colombia, Susanna Sal@ - Italy,
and Laura Suttle - Great Britain.
In addition, Kate Oderkirk - U.S. has
been promoted from demi-soloist to soloist,
and Sarah Jane Crespo - U.S. has been
promoted fi’om apprentice to the corps de
ballet. Ms. Crespo is the first dancer to join
the company from TBII, Tulsa Balle{’s preprofessional
ensemble. The company’s roster
now stands at 29 artists, while TBII boasts 12
pre-professional dancers recruited ft’om some
of the best American schools.
Tulsa Ballet is a professional ballet
company whose purpose is to serve as an
essential asset of its extended community
through internationally-acclaimed artistic
excellence and exemplary @ucation and
outreach. Regarded as one of the top
ballet companies in North America and
internationally recognized as a leader in the
field, Tulsa Ballet consistently brings the
finest works of the classical and contemporary
repertory to the Oklahoma stage, presenting
the same works and sharing the same worldrenowned
choreographers with the top
dance organizations in the World. For more
information, visit ~vw~a:tulsaballet.org.
By Ronald Blake
Contributing W-riter
Ronald Blake, Certified Fi*ness Instructor
through ISSA International Sports Sciences
Association
10,000 Seeps!
The car won’t start. The bicycle has a flat
tire. Your neighbor left for work 20 minutes
ago. ~Pne bus line is 14 blocks away. The
number for the cab company has been busy
forever. Your pulse quickens, sweat beads
on your forehead, you furrow your brow,
and you realize you may have to ....WALK!
Loosen your tie and put on those sneakers
and "Walk Like a Man". It’s going to be
different today!
There is an exercise program called the
"10,000 Steps a Day" and today is YOUR
day to start. The goal of this program is to
get people to become more aware of their
health and fitness through the ancient art
of walking. That many steps each day are
equivalent to four or five miles traveled. Don’t
"WalkAway Renee" just yet! It can be done!
You will need a pedometer to measure
your steps. These $20 and under devices won’t
break your bank and they conveniently attach
to your waistband. Stay away from buying
one online since there is not any walking
involved in the process. Purchase one at any
of your loc,~ sporting goods stores. Then
you will simply need to start "\v-vralking on
$~i~!~in~!" .... .... .....
Forget what the modern world has taught
you about convenience and the on-demand
attitude. You will need to work to earn your
10,000 steps. It begins early in fl~e day and
in earnest as you yawn, stretch, and rub your
eyes after wrestling with your alarm clock.
Climb out of your bed and "\Valk Like an
Egyptian" to the bathroom on the other side
of the house to get your day moving right.
After you’ve showered, dressed, and
eaten you will be ready to change the way
you approach the world. You can walk to
work, walk to the bus, or drive to work
and park four blocks dmvn the street. You
vdll need to get creative and don’t be afraid
to try something different. There is always
somebody out there trying this walking thing
too and "You’ll Never Walk Mone."
Get to work and take the stairs instead
of the elevator. Get to your office and walk
around your desk as you yap on the phone
and earn your commissions for the week¯ Get
to your lunch break and walk with your coworkers
during the last half of the lunch hour.
Get to the last part of your work day and
meet your team members in person and not
through e-mail¯ Smile or whistle on your way.
It’s OK to "Walk This Way!" You have to earn
those steps someway and you might as well be
happy doing it!
When you arrive home, you can continue
to "Take a Walk on the Wild Side!" The
possibilities include walking the dog, walking
and talking on the phone, or just plain old
wa1~ng ~ith {he ~eighbm-~ f~ ~6~ ~Cise
and gossip[mongering.
The 10;000 steps program is something
that can be fun! It gives you that ehance
to strive for a daily goal and it can change
you profoundly! Get your pedometm; get
motivated, and you’ll want to go "Walkin’
After Midnight."
e-mail:
CNNtapesfor an upcomingAmerican
Morning. Photo by Robin Dorner
pay; there were 40 teachers in the Putnam
City School District alone that were laid off
and I never saw her [Kern] put forth any
legislation to stop this."
Novomy said the top three issues in
her campaign are helping small business,
insuring that all children have the best
education in Oldahoma and investing in our
transportation infrastructure.
"In a time where the economy is so bad,
we need to be doing things to help promote
bringing in businesses," said Novomy.
Reflecting on the goodness of this state and
the benefits of our lower cost of living she
added, "We’ve got great things to attract
people to Oklahoma."
The youngest of five siblings, Novotny was
born in Chickasha. She grew up in Oklahoma
City and graduated from Westmoore High
School in 1998. In 2002, Brittany graduated
Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Sociology
from the University of Science and Arts of
Oldahoma, earning her Jurist Doctorate from
the Hastings College of Law University of
California in 2005.
"It’s important that we work together,"
said Novotny. "This is really a campaign,about
all of us and our future as Oldahomans. In
July 2009 the Journal Record ran an editorial
stating that Kern is bad for business.
CNN’s American Morning offers political,
domestic and international stories. Most are
scripted segments including a heavy dose of
political news each morning. The program
mainly focuses on news to attract viewers,
who prefer a more straightforward morning
show. Its main competitor is the Fox News
Channel.
American Morning is aired live every
weekday morning from 7 to 10 am (CST). As
of this writing, CNN’s air date of Novomy’s
interview is not known. Please visit the
Novotny website at www.brittany4hd84.com
for air time and date.
The results of this primary election should be
used as an example in every civics class that
every vote counts!" Askins thanked voters and
Edmondson for their support, reflecting on
her past political experiencequalifying her as
the best candidate for this office.
"We are privileged to have two candid,,ates
leading this state who are truly a class act,
said Jim Roth, former state Corporation
Commissioner who served as emcee for the
event. "We are so proud of the campaigns you
both ran."
Those inducted into the Activist Hall
of Fame were Jack Boyte, Miller Newman,
Charlie & Juanita King, Troy Green, Tommie
Lou Levi and Rev. Dr. John A. Reed Jr.
The general election will be Tuesday,
November 2nd. For more information about
voter registration, statewide candidates and
candidates in your area, please visit www.
ok.gov/elections/.
Courtesy o£~vwcw.labrescue,net
this
but it sounds FUN!! In
tO live in a
says I would do best in
kids who will wrestle with me. I hope you
will put in your application and cm~e ~ut to
mee{ me I’ll give );ou a big Hig ..
Ifyou’d like to see Grammar or any of
th~ other adoptable dogs visit the Lab
Rescue Tulsa Oldahoma website at:
labre~Cue,net, All available dogs are listed
there. We also show our dogs t~e first
three Saturdays ofthe month, so watch
the website f6r the locations.
September 1, 2010 " 7
~~! ~nstant Ace
the Nation’s Top Gay
10 September 1, 2010
Photo’s by Victor G. and Robin D.
Out &About in Oklahoma
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City
@ 7he Democratic Homecoming andActivist Hall ofFame Dinner,
Oklahonm City
By Ed Sikov
Ed Sikov is the author ofDark Victory; 7he Life
ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and
fihnmakers.
"Snobs invent Fire Island Iced Tea"
Six of us ~vere lined up in beach chairs
judging the gym rats on parade at the water’s
edge.
"Why does that guy have ’Bondi’ printed
on his ass?" I inquired. "I love Make Way for
Tomorrow, too, but it’s a strange film to be
referenced on a musclehead’s butt."
"It’s not Beulah Bondi, darling. It’s Bondi
Beach in Australia~" This came from my
3artner, Dan, who then turned on me: "Did
rou hear what Dr. Film Studies just said?" he
trumpeted to the others, who made snorting
noises at my expense.
Jack Fogg yawned, stretched, and said,
"Let’s make Long Island Iced Tea." "You
would drink that," his boyfriend Sammy
replied.
Jack became defensive: "What’s wrong
~vith Long Island Iced Tea?"
"People wilt think we’re from
Massapequa," Chipper explained.
"Or Hicksville," Paolo added. "Can you
imagine saying you’re from Hicksville? You
might as well be from East Jesus."
I agreed. "We’re maldfig ’Fire Island Iced
Tea’ because we’re on Fire Island, not Long
Island."
"What’s in it?" Sammy asked.
"We’re inventing it," I declared. "What
should be in our drink?"
"Lots of fruits," said Dan.
"And logs of alcohol," Pao!o added.
"It needs a fire component," Chipper said.
"What tastes hot?"
I had an inspiration: "Absolut Peppar!"
Chipper got into the spirit(s): "And
Citron for the fruit. And Orange Curacao.
And your inevitable lime juice."
"Why do you always have Orange
Curacao?" asked Jack, the reporter; he was
prone to interviewing people, which irritated
me, so I answered: "Because Blue Curacao
turns an orange Screwdriver the color of
vomit."
"Aha," said Jack, buying my, made-up
reason. I’m dementedly jealous ofJack, so
I put a notch on the Ed vs. Jack scoreboard
I keep in my head.
Michelangelo’s David strolled by. "What
can we add t° represent him?" Dan asked.
"Coke Zero!" Sammy shouted to our
communal delight. ~-he pore; perfect hunk
thought we were laughing at him and glared.
We tried a fe~v recipes before we found
one that worked, which meant we were
hammered by dinnertime. I grilled the
Lemon-Dill Lamb-burgers to death. Dan
burned the buns. But Paolo, always under
control, pulled off a lovely Caprese Salad, and
since we bought a peach pie from the grocery
store, dessert was fine. "Where do these great
pies come from?" I once asked the Long
Island teenager behind the counter. "Poh’t
JefE.," she answ~ered, meaning Port Jefferson.
The accent alone proved why ~ve had to have
an "Iced Tea" of our own.
Fire Island Iced Tea
2-parts Absolut Peppar
2-parts Absolut Citron
I-part Beefeater
1-part cup tequila
l/2-part Orange Curacao
1-part or 1/3-cup unsweetened lime juice
3-parts Coke Zero or the soda of your
choice .
Fill a tall glass with ice and add liquors
and lime juice. Pour soda in gently to keep
the fizz. Note: The conventional drink is
called "Iced Tea" because the cola turns
the white liquors tea-colored. But I prefer
Limonata, the Italian le,hon soda, which
makes the drink taste like spicy lemofiade.
Use what you like, and dofft worry about
what color the result is. If it looks gross, put
it in an opaque plastic cup, stick a straw in it,
and nobody will know the difference.
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City
12
@ Ledo, Oklahoma City
September
Join Metro Star Enews for BreakAng News Updates as they haj~pen. Keep
informed throughtout the monthr Join us at www.Metroatari’~ews.com
SSRA Member Don George, Tulsa
TULSA, OK __ The Metro Star Online
edition at www.metrostarnews.com is
updated daily with Top Local and National
Ne~vs stories that concern the GLBT
community. The \Vorld News feed module
will keep you informed about community
news from around the globe.
The Metro Star Online was one of the first
nationally to send out a News Bulletin on
the California Prop 8 ruling from Federal
Judge Vaughn Walker on August 4. Metro
Star Online was the chosen media to
release the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding between Oldahomans for
Equality and Cimarron Alliance Foundation
on July 31.
Join today and we will keep you informed
and it’s FREE.
Chuck Breckenridge
~hether buying or selling
I’l! work hard for you.
’lecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.com
597 M~ Road
Arkansas
ww~v.magneticvalleyresort.corn
info@magneticvalleyresort.com
800-210-8401 479-244-6821
September 1, 2010 13
By Jack Fertig
September 20t0
"Just be yourself, VirgoV’
Venus and Mars dancing through Libra
while opposing Eris boost competition
and conflict. Mercury retrograding
past the Sun in Virgo brings egotisticai
miscalculations into the picture. Go
slow, easy and careful. Be the tortoise,
not the hare!
ARIES (March 20- April 19): Strive for
your best without comparing yourself
to colleagues. Can you be the best at
teamwork? Even efforts to cooperate
will highlight your ego, but as long as
you’re your own sharpest critic, that can
be good for you.
TAURUS (April 20- May20): Too
often you feel your best isn’t good
enough. Your efforts are appreciated.
Why do you shortchange yourself?
Playfully exaggerating those feelings
- and whatever comes up with them
- can help you get clarity.
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): "The family
that plays together slays each other?"
That’s not how it goes, but maybe you
should find your fun outside for now.
Either way, remember that standing
in your community is based more on
cooperation than being "the best" at
anything.
CANCER {June 21- July 22): Slips
of the tongue reveal what you really
think about your roots and your
current job and trajectory. Pick your
company carefully, being sure to have
a confidante you can trust. Also, use
these accidental insights to revise your
plans.
LEO (Ju~y 23 -August 22): Be very
careful of your facts and figures. You’re
likely to exaggerate the humiliation
of being caught in a mistake, but the
financial costs of errors can be much
more real than the cost to your ego.
VIRG0 {August 23 - September
22): Let others plan your birthday
party. You’re having too much trouble
managing details and they’ll fall all over
each other trying to make your bash
everything you deserve. Trying to look
sexy is sure to backfire. Just be yourself
and they’ll come running.
LIBRA {September 23 - October 22):
Worries about your relationship are at
least exaggerated and likely unfounded.
Go over them carefully, preferably with
your partner, strip away the needless
fears, and get a clearer vision of real
problems you can work on.
SCORPIO {October 23 - November
21): Friends are too eager to help, but
listen politely, if briefly. There might
be some good suggestions in all that
meshugas. Competing with colleagues
can drive you crazy. Focus on doing
your best. "You’ll accomplish more.
SAGITTARIUS/(November 22
- December 20): Your long-range plans
are not looking good. Normally you
would roll with that and adapt. Now it
looks more serious, That’s just worry,
but yes, some revisions need to be
made. Analyze problems now; solve
them next month.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January 19): Work is looking good
if you can only keep your mouth out of
the way. Absorb information and others’
perspectives now. Take time to figure
that out before responding. Even if by
negative examples, your family offers
excellent lessons for building your
future. -
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): You may be able to convince
everyone you’re right, but something
at the heart of your argument is wrong.
Invite criticism. Open discussion and
testing your premises can help you
figure out where the flaw is. ’
PISCES (February 19 - March 19):
Money and sex are the two biggest
issues for couples to deal with, but
first get ego and miscommunications
out of the way. Humility and admitting
mistakes is necessary on both sides,
but you can only do for yourself.
1
12
3 4 5 i6 7 8 9 10
~
11 12 i13
!14
17
~
~
~26
27
I
28 29 30 ,31
~
32 33
! 38
I
54 W
60 61162
Community for
People iving
H V/A ©S
A 501. c (3) Non Profit Or~.~nizadon
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HIV+ and
or living with AIDS to help combat the
social isolation ~at many of our
people live through each and eve.-
day. We provide a Toilet~ and Household
Pantry for those who are HIV+
and or living with AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves_ ~te invite anyone who
would like to volun[eer or provide financial
assistance to please contacl
us by phone 9t 8-585-9552 or e-mail
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net
35 End of the quip
39 Victor/Victoria actor [¥ter
40 Verdi’opera
41 Gay Hamilton
42 L-~am of Kinsey
44 Straw hat
46 Beginning ~o whiz
47 kA. lang’s~I Gal"
52 Barrie~ precipitation
53 Source ofth( quip
55 No no~e for a l;u~c~
58 V0d S uad° Character
59 Edmund to Colette?
ancestral home
12 Hoar
13 Alpine feedback
14 ~iily Elliot epithet
22’ Bdieve :n0t!",
23 Mil; Student b0#
26 Number 0fsidm to a gay, symbol
27 Transsexual Richards
28 Que n 0free hill
29 Dicks rtmning mate
30 Like Abner, before Viagra?
31 NB~ Sketch source
33 Stuff~ ~trides
34% eat; to UlrichS
35 Tart taste
36 Kindof colUmn
37 Ola comedian g orge
}8 Poet Teasd~e
!3 Like an~igayhnguage
~5 ~ii~d testacle?
18 P !fistname, in Goldfinge~
19 Greased th~ palm ofU
56 With title tO
il Fine point
53 George Burns film
~4 Gay p0rn director Fnmcis
55 Dangle like a package
Solution p~e 15
14 September 1, 2010
Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you.
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2200 N\’g 39TH EXPW
Oklahoma City, OK
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MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT
597 Magnetic Road
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800-210-8401
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ACCOUNTING:
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4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa. OK * 918-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
ATTORNEYATLA~
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625 N.W. 13oh Street
Oldahoma City, OK
405-226-8585
AUTO DEALERS:
ANTIQUES:
EMPLOYNIENT
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OKC: "Pne Copa is
currendy seeking a bar
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(405) 525 0730
NIGHTCLUBS/BARS:
ANGLES
2117 N~Z 39th St.
Otdahoma City, OK
www.anglesctub.com
BAMBOO LOUNGE
7204 E. PINE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-8700
www.bambooloungetulsa.com
FINISHLINE
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-2900
~vve%habanainn.com
THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
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THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
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TULSA F~GLE
1338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1188
Open 7days week 2pm to 2am
ENTERTAINMENZ"
RETAIL STORES: HA[R SALONS &SPAS."
INSURANCE:
ORGANIZATIONS:
PHOTOGRAPHK:
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN. JUDY G. PHOTO’S
OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Tulsa, OK
Service Sunday 10:45 AM judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
EXPRESSIONS Fellowship
4010 N Youngs
Oklahoma City, OK
405-761-1878
www.expressionsOKC.com
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
OKLAHOMA STONEWALL
DEMOCRATES
Oldahoma City, OK
www.okstonewall.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
RED ROCK B.H.S.
4400 N LINCOLN BLVC
Oklahoma Ci~ OK 73105
405-425-0473
Toll Free 1-877-339-3330
SPIRIT OF CHPdST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET.
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pro
REAL ESTATE:
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3627 NW EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
www.c21 goldcastle.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
GAY REAL ESTATE
Nations Top Gay/Lesbian Realtors
www.GayRealEstate.com
1-988-420-6683
GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa
New and Historic Homes for Sale
and Rent For Info:
www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com
RESTAUP~tNTS:
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPP,ESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
Classified Text Classified
A ILAC R
~ ~ELI
E ACIN
R THEC
R AlES G
E NK~N A
N TELL
E T
E GBON S
ARW~
G LING A
A OBIE
L~ RENT B
Ai EDG~ A
September 1, 2010 15
"What matters, as always, is not what we can’tdo,
Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the
Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~.
Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GBT
Tuesclay~ September 7,
meet the ~ st Tuesday ofevery month at the "
’E D RAT~C
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2010] Metro Star Magazine, September 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 9
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
September 01, 2010
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd;
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Nimmo
Victor Gorin
Ronald Blake
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Judy Gabbard
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Ed Sikov
Steven Petrow
Rex Wockner
D'Anne Witkovski
Keith Orr
Chris Azzopardi
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
PDF
Online text
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/191
The Metro Star Magazine, October 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 10
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/196
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/197
000 steps
AIDs walk OKC
Bitter Girl
Cimarron Alliance Foundation
Danielle Girdano
Don't shop-Adopt
Fitness-10
funnies
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Lady Gaga-Arizona immigrants law
Metro scene
National Post
Nightclubs and Bars
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Oklahoma Democratic Party
Oklahoma News
pre-existing condition insurance
Prop 8
QPuzzle
Qscopes
same sex marriage
Sex-Consent
Shelley McGoffin
Sooner State Rodeo Association
Stonewall Democrats
The Equality Network
Tulsa ballet
Tulsa Metro Softball League
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e208ae2467acdf8f6091484385748583.jpg
15bd0403ba57fe81147c641b3d6966f7
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fda9c945eb7918511e42f653a03c29c1.pdf
c00b651bb5318db03236e698530267db
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
Gift Guide
THE
VOLUME 6 ISSUE 12 Twitter.com/MetroStad~ews
Other Options; 20 years and going strong
Celebrating with an open house for everyone
By Robin Townsend
Contributing Viriter
PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA
® MetroStarNews.com
Fed partner benefits
bill advances in House
By Lisa Keen
Keen News Service
Other Options andFriends Food Pantry’s board President Robert Painter with Executive Director
Mary Arbuckle. The organization won an award thisyear at the National Philanthropy Day event
hosted by the Association ofFundraising Professionals, Oklahoma Chapte~ The award reads, "Spirit
ofPhilanthropy awards; For unmatched dedication to thepeople who are living with HIVAIDS. "
but homosexuality was the primary
commonality."
During the early days of Other Options
there was a great need for the social services
part of HIV/AIDS care. "Back then the
patients rarely lived long enough to get
their Social Security benefits. When we
told a person they were HIV positive we
explained things, but they knew their life
expectancy w~s very limited even with AZT.
As drug combinations have improved and
there is more research, life expectancies are
longer. "Our services are now more geared to
improving lives, allowing people to live more
productive lives. Now we see them living full
lives."
Today some needs are the same while
some have changed "One of our methods of
assistance is to give people the nutritional
values they [clients] need to help them lead
a more productive life, and that is what we
are able to do with the Friends Food Pantry,"
adds Arbuckle. "We also added the HOPWA
last June and service 125 [clients] there."
(HOPWA- Housing Options for People
Living With AIDS). Charla Stevenson is the
Housing Case Manager at Other Options
who manages that part of the organization.
OY-A_Ak-IOMA CITY, OK__ Since
1989 Other Options in Oldahoma City has
provided professional, consistent services to
PLWA’s and disabled individuals, focusing
on the impact HIV/MDS has had in the
lives of those they serve. The organization
was founded by Cookie Arbuclde who was a
Social Worker (MSW) at ChildreNs Hospital
and Oklahoma Memorial Hospital (now OU
Medical Center).
"In 1988 morn was asked by an
Oklahoma Governors Task Force who saw a
need for a guide book for people living with
HIV/_AADS and medical professionals," said
Mary Arbuclde, Other Options Executive
Director. "They hired Cookie to do this
because of her background and because she
was one of the founders of the ASP [AIDS
Support Program] organization. "That was
where the first book, t/kids for HIV/AIDS’
came from."
The second edition gray paperback is the
most popular and is four times larger. "The
reason she [Cookie] started Other Options
in 1989, was due to a generous grant by the
Sarkey’s foundation. We realized the need
for a non-profit to continue our services to
the HIV/MDS community. Back then the
A House committee on Wednesday
evening approved a bill to provide equal
benefits to gay federal employees with
domestic partners, but not without a political
slugfest first over whether the legislation is
an attempt to undermind the Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA).
The clash November 18 occured in
the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform over the Domestic
Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of
2009 (HR 2517). The bill seeks to provide
all federal employees with the same benefits
whether they are married to a person of the
opposite sex or are in a long-term intimate
relationship with a person of the same sex.
It was sponsored by openly gay Rep. Tammy
Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and had the spoken
support of President Obama.
All speakers for the bill were Democrats;
all speakers against it were Republ~,can.s.
:~mocrats emphasized the bill s aim to
end discrimination against LGBT federal
employees by providing them with equal pay
for equal work.
Republicans emphasized their concern
that the bill is trying to circumvent DOMA
and widespread public sentiment as illustrated
by 31 states voting to ban same-sex marriage.
The proceedings were web-streamed live
on the Committee’s website but are no longer
available there.
The debate was a classic discourse between
pro and anti-gay forces. Pro-gay legislators
talked about fighting discrimination and
protecting equal rights. Anti-gay forces talked
about opposing special rights and protecting
traditional marriage.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), hunched over
his papers during much of the proceeding and
often turning away whenever an opposing
legislator responded to him, offered an
amendment to stipulate that nothing in the
bill would modify, supersede, or otherwise
affect DOMA.
Rep. Edolphus To~vns (D-NY), chairman
of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, spoke forcefully against
the Jordan Amendment saying "same-sex
domestic partnership laws to do not affect
DOMAY
Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) opposed it,
too, saying the purpose was clearly intended
"to nt~ify the entirety of the effort here
today."
The amendment eventually failed on a
vote of 22 to 12.
Republicans lodged a number of
contradictory complaints about the
legislation. For instance, Rep. Darrell Issa
1,2009
patients were about 90% gay men. There were
some other cases such as hemophilia,
......Continued See AWARD Page-14 .......
Continued See FED BENEFITS Page-4
(R-San Diego) complained that the bill would
enable "any two individuals" to qualify for
benefits, while Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.)
complained that any two individuals would
not be able to qualify.
’~klthough this legislation purports
to stand on a foundation of nondiscrimination,"
said Fortenberry, "it appears
to diminish the standing of federal employees
who may share the same dwelling and
collaborate intimately with an immediate or
extended family member of the opposite sex
in a nonsexual relationship to meet their basic
financial needs."
His example was a nephew caring for an
aunt with cancer. Then he continued.
"What about those who are in
nurturing relationships neither marked by
physical intimacy nor qualifying for married
dependent status but share a specialness of
bond based on a commitment to duty or to
friendship," said Fortenberry. His example
for this was "a friend helping a friend of the
opposite sex if they were unemployed."
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah)
repeatedly stated that he was "standing tall
for traditional marriage." He offered two
amendments: one to require the president
to certify that the bill does not increase
premiums for existing federal employees
before the bill can go into effect; the other
to require the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) to study the impact on
premiums.
T~ATS W~AT ~APS $ WILL COST THE AVE~AG~
OKLAhOmA ~I~ ~SIDENT IN SAL~S TAX
A $280
CONVENTION CENTER
AN AQUATIC CENTER
DOWNTOWN PARK
DEVON ENERGY
WE
GIVE
’T AFFORD TO
THE CITY A BLANK
CHECK.
Paid for by Concerned Citizens
2 ~tet~’oSTAR
What’s new £or the
Diversity Business
Association in 2010?
By Robin Townsend
Contributing Writer
Current DBA board members at the 2009
Oklahoma Ci(y Prideparade this summer;
Money Milbu~w, President, Gina Love,
member-at-large and Leslie Blab; l~ce
President. Dornerphoto
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma
City’s premier business organization for the
LGBT community will have an overhaul
soon. Plans for a new website, a rate increase
and new board members appear to be in store
for the Oklahoma City based gay and lesbian
business and professional group.
So what else is new for DBA for 20!0?
Looks like there will be a new President with
~h~ f~mlt resigfiation ofM0n~ Milbur~
Tnere has been at least one members
identified who may fill the roll, but at the
time of this story board members have not yet
been voted on.
"I am resigning effective Dec. 3t, 2009.
As of right now, rates will be increasing
as some point in 2010 and the projected
new membership will be $149.00/yr,"
said Milburn in his last interviev¢ to the
Metro Star as DBA board president, q]ae
current membership rate is $49 for a single
membership. "A brand new dynamite
website will be included as well as some great
advertising opportunities and such. There will
also be members only activities."
Ti~e goal of DBA is to be a positive
organization in the LGBT community and
the Oklahoma City community as a whole.
This includes businesses in the area that are
gay or gay-friendly that can benefit from likeminded
people seeking to do business with
this diverse group. DBA also has a presence
each year with Pride events and, for the first
time, had a group who walked in the parade.
There are also plans underway to hire a
staff member to help the organization run
more smoothly. ’%Ve just realized that we
have to hire someone to make this machine
run and we need to do it sooner than later,"
adds Milburn. "I’m not thinking that this will
happen as ofJanuary 1 due to getting bids for
the site and finding a DBA staff member but
it is happening or DBA wil! just go away and
become a social thing that requires no dues
no planning, etc."
For more information about DBA, please
email them at contact@dbametro.org or visit
~w,vw.dbametro.org.
Sooner State Rodeo
Association presents the
Festival ofTrees Auction
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa based Sooner
State Rodeo Association (SSRA) will host
their Annual Holiday Festival ofTrees,
Saturday October 28th from 7:30-11PM at
the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E.
4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. The SSRA
fundraising event will benefit SSRA and
their 2009 charitable partners.
The event will feature Cocktails and
Hors D’oeuvres plus a Live Auction of 7
Fully Decorated Christmas Trees beginning
at 8:30PM. The trees have been decorated
by local interior designers, organizations,
and individuals from the Tulsa GLBT
Community.
Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) is
Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma’s gay rodeo
association, and is a recognized member of
the International Gay Rodeo Association.
SSRA was founded in 2000 and is a legal 501
3(c) and is dedicated to the promotion of the
western lifestyle throughout Tulsa and Eastern
Oklahoma. www.soonerstaterodeo.com
Picket Organized to
Protest Sarah Pa~in’s
Book Signing
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ When
Republican past vice presidential candidate
and 2012 presidential hopeful Sarah Palin
holds her booksigning in Norman she may
encounter more than she bargained for.
On a national tour to promote her new
book, "Going Rogue" she is making her
only Oklahoma stop at Hasting’s Bookstore,
located in Norman at 2300 W. Main from 7
p.m. until 8 p.m on Thursday, December 3.
Organized by OKC gay activist Keith
Kimmel, he gives his reasons for the protest.
" I’m organizing this event because I don’t
want Palin to be my next president. I find
her homophobic views to be repugnant and
I think my sentiment is shared by many. I’m
compelled to say something and I hope others
will join me." Those who share his views
are welcome to join this event. For more
information contact Keith Kimmel, http://
vrww.facebook.com/1/cee43; 405 886 5095.
Oklahoma Weather Forecast for December 2009
.... : Dec 1-5: Rain, then sunny, mild;
Dec 6-8: Shmvers, then sunny,
cold;
Dec 9-13: R~in and snow, then
sunny, cold;
Dec 14-18: Rain, then sunny;
mild;
~Dec 19-20: Showers, then colder;
Dec 21-25: Sunny, then rain, warm;
Dec 26’28: Rain, then colder;
~. Dec 29-31: Sunn)~ warm.
Avg. temperature 520 (40 above avg.);
precipitation -.5 (avg.);
December 2009
Memoriam
Heather Harp Howland
September 9th, 1968 - November 4th, 2009
TULSA, OK Heather Harp Howland
was born in Oklalloma. City on September
9th, 1968 and transitioned from this life
on November 4th, 2009. Her early years
were spent in San Antonio Texas. Her
family moved to Tulsa when she was 14.
She attended Kemper Military Academy
in Boonville Missouri, almamater ofWill
Rogers, and graduated from Tulsa Memorial
High School. She majored in journalism/
marketing a the University of Oklahoma.
She is preceded in death by her Mother,
Sharon. She is survived by her father John
Howland of San Antonio Texas, and her
brother Patrick Howland and his wife Patrice
Pratt ofTulsa, and her nieces Arie! Pratt
of Pennsylvania, Sierra Pratt ofTulsa and
nephews, Rick Pratt of Pennsylvania, Shay
Howland ofTulsa and Seth Howland of
Tulsa.
Heather lived in San Antonio in her
young adult years and then in 1995 she
returned to Tulsa to care for her mother. She
opened England & Harp, a successfu! antique
and design store on Cherry Street in 1997.
Her eye for design was impeccable.
As a member of the Tulsa LGBTQ
community, Heather snpported the mission
of Oldahomans for Equality- (Old’q) formerly
tmown as Tnlsa Oklahomans for Human
Rights (TOHR). She volunteered her time
and efforts at the Pride Store, co-directed the
Pride Events and supported other fundraising
events.
Heather had lots ofinterests and talents.
She loved softball and played catcher while at
OU and would gladly tell you that her knees
haven’t been the same since. She could belt
out a song, deliver a sermon and demonstrate
an Academy Award winning speech upon
request. She was a founding member of
\%Zomen of Council Oak in 2003 and a
supporting member of Sisters in Song.
Heather developed liver disease in 2008
and was on the liver transplant waitint list.
Carol Brown and friends hosted a fundraising
effort in September 2009 at Club 209
to assist with current medical bills and future
transplant costs.
A memorial service was held on
November 7th. 2009 at the Dennis R. Neill
Equality- Center located at 621 East 4th
Street, Tulsa Oklahoma. She will be missed.
She will forever be remembered.
Counci Oak Mens
Chorale Presents:
Some Enchanted Season
December 1st, 4th, & 5th, 2009: 8pro
TULSA, OK (PR) Fresh sounds of
celebration and traditional favorites will
once again fill Trinit~;s beautiful sancruary
as Council Oak Mens Chorale presens their
2009 holiday concert. This specially selected
blend of both timeless and soon-to-be
classics is sure to leave you feeling warm and
~’estive... some might even say enchanted! The
concert will be held at the Trinity Episcopal
Church located at 5th & Cincinnati Avenue.
Tickets are ~15. for more information call
918.748.3888 or visit counciloalcorg.
~¢.metrostarnews.com
MISS BAMBOO 2010
CROWNED
By Staff Reporter
Miss Bamboo 2009 L~y Katheryn andMiss
Bamboo 2010 Dominique LaRue. StaffPhoto
TULSA, OK __ No prelim, no registration
fees, not known for glamour, but an absolute
cdebration of campy fun with a big heart.
That is the Miss Bamboo Pageant. Although
this year’s contestants did break with tradition
and were quite stylish. Dominique LaRue had
the crowd in uncontrollable laughter with her
Old W-,man on a Walker comedy routine.
Dominique LaRueperfbrming her comedy skit.
Staffphoto
Votes for each contestant were determined
by the amount of money each was given by
the audience for their performance.
HOPE Clinic ofTulsa was the r4cipient
of this year’s proceeds of $633.00. HOPE
offers a variety of services for people with
HIV/STD. For confidential information or
referrals call the statewide HIV/STD resource
hotline operated by trained HOPE staff 1-
800-535-2437.
The MC’s for the show were Kris Kohl
and Earlina Derrick, two well known divas
ofTulsa. Flowers were provided by Glenpool
Flmvers and Gifts. First runner up for the
Miss Bamboo 2010 title was Serina Ashley
who’s interpretation of a drunken platinum
blonde slut was very convincing, but she
showed way too much skin, nasty!
Conspicuously absent from this years entertainment
line-up was self proclaimed Empress
of the Bamboo, Miss Mona Lott who
some suspect has been committed to Laureate
for observation by her now legal husband.
Christmas Eve Candlelig
Thursday December 24, 8
3131 N. Pennsylvania,Oklaho! 405.525.9555
8an ’uptcy o Civil Rights *Criminal
Empl ,ment * Family Law * Litigation
N.W 13th Street
ahoma city, oK 7s 0s
¢~I<>t~oSTAR 3
Prop 8 repeal petitions
begin circ ation
Tt~e state of California on Nov. 16
approved the start of signature-gathering
for a voter initiative to repeal Proposition 8
in November 2010, the group Love Honor
Cherish reported.
The initiative ~vould remove from the
California Constitution the sentence, "Only
marriage between a man and a woman is valid
or recognized in California," and replace it
with, "Marriage is between only two persons
and shall not be restricted on the basis of race,
color, creed, ancestr)~ national origin, sex,
gendm; sexual orientation, or religion."
The measure further states: "To protect
religious freedom, no court shall interpret
this measure to require any priest, minister,
pastor, rabbi, or other person authorized
to perform marriages by any religious
denomination, church, or other non-profit
religious institution to perform any marriage
in violation of his or her religious beliefs.
~e refusal to perform a marriage under this
provision shall not be the basis for lawsuit or
liability, and shall not affect the tax-exempt
status of any religious denomination, church
or other religious institution."
Repeal advocates must collect 694,354
valid voter signatures by April 12. To be safe,
that means collecting around 1 million total
signatures.
~e 2010 repeal can~paign is a grassroots
effort that does not have support from large
GLBT groups, many ofxvhich have said or
suggested they want to wait until 2012 to
attempt to undo Prop 8.
The Courage Campaign had earlier
supported the 2010 effort but later
complained of deficiencies in governing
structure, expertise, research and funding.
For more information, see
SignForEquality.com.
Gay Euro MPs denounce
Ugandan bill
Members of the European Parliament’s
Intergroup on LGBT Rights have strongly
denounced the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill
2009" pending in Uganda’s Parliament.
"The proposed legislation includes
provisions to punish those alleged to
be lesbian; gay or bisexual with life
imprisonment and, in some cases, the death
penalty; any parent or teacher failing to
report their LGBT children or pupils to the
authorities.~zcith a fine eqtiivalent to $2,650
or three years’ imprisonment; and landowners
providing shelter to LGBT people with seven
years’ imprisonment," the MEPs said Nov. 9.
Co-President Ulrike Lunacek said: "I
strongly appeal to Ugandan politicians
to be as courageous as they were when
overthrowing the Idi Amin regimel and not
to ban Ugandan citizens from being free to
love whomever they wish. Homosexuality is
nothing un-African; it has existed at all times
and in all cultures."
In the U.S., lesbian U.S. Rep. Tammy
Baldwin, D-Wis., and three other members of
Congress have sent a letter to U.S. Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton urging her to use the
full force of her o~ce to condemn the bill.
Brazilian man barred
from living in U.S. with
American husband
~ne Obama administration let the clock
run out Oct. 23 on helping a Brazilian man
who wants to return to Massachusetts to live
with his U.S. husband.
Tim Coco and Brazilian Gen&io Oliveira
married in Massachusetts in 2005 and own a
home together in a Boston suburb. Oliveira
was sent home in August 2007 after losing
an asylum case based on anti-gay persecution
he said he experienced in Brazil. He later also
lost a case in which he sought to return to
the U~S. based on his marriage to Coco. U.S.
Attorney General Eric Holder had until Oct.
23 to overrule that decision on humanitarian
grounds. He had been urged to do so by U,S.
Sen. John Kei~ry, D-Mass.
The anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act,
passed during Bill Clinton’s presidency,
prevents the U.S. government from
recognizing same-sex spouses for any reason.
President Obaa~aa has said repeatedly
that he supports DOMA’s repeal and the
extension to same-sex couples of every right
and obligation of marriage -- but he has taken
no concrete steps to achieve his stated goals.
Coco and Oliveira have said they may sue
the federal government over DOMA in hopes
of being reunited.
Bill Clinton said that
he had been "wrong"
in opposing same-sex
marriage.
Spealdng to CNN’s Anderson Cooper,
Clinton said: "I realized that I was, you
know, over 60 years old, I grew Up at a
different time, and I was hung up about the
word (marriage). I had all these gay friends;
I had all these gay couple friends, and I
~vas hung up about it. Aud I decided I was
wrong. That our society has an interest in
coherence and strength and commitment
and mutually reinforcing loyalties, then
if gay couples want to call their union
marriage and a state agrees, and several have
no,a, or a religious body will sanction it --
and I don’t think the state should be able to
stop the religious bodies from saying it -- I
don’t think the rest of us should get in the
way of that. I think it’s a good thing, not a
bad thing."
"I just realized that I was, probably for,
maybe just because of my age and the way
I’ve grown up, I ~vas wrong about that,"
he continued. "I just had too many gay
friends. I saw their relationships. I just
decided I couldu’t, I had an untenable
position."
As~ president, Clinton signed into
law the Defense of Marriage Act, which
prohibits the federal government fi’om
recognizing s~xrne-sex marriages and a~rms
that states don’t have to recognize other
states’ same-sex marriages.
The first amendment failed. And Rep.
Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) amended the
latter to have the GAO study the effect of
extending benefits to domestic partners on
the government’s ability to recruit and retain
employees.
In response to GOP complaints that two
people of the same sex might pretend to be
in a domestic partnership in order to gain
benefits, Rep. Steve Lynch (D-Mass.) said:
"I dofft think there’s a ,vhole lot of people
out there, given the discrimination ,ve have
against gays and lesbians in our society, trying
to pretend that they’re gay or that they’re
lesbian so they can get favorable treatment.
That’s not the reality of today’s world."
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC),
an African American, also rebuffed such
arguments, saying "I know discrimination
when I see it. This is the opposite. ~is is a
civil rights bill."
Norton noted, with some irony, that
some years ago Republicans refused to allow
a domestic partnership bill in Washington,
D.C., because the bill attempted to include
domestic partners and other family members
living together.
Chairman Towns rebutted Republican
concerns that the bill would cost too much,
noting that only about 15,000 to 30,000 new
enrollees are expected to join federal health
insurance rolls~as a results of the legislation -
representing 0.3 percent. Howevere Issa came
back claiming that the LGBT community
frequently cites a figure of 10 percent for its
representation in the population. (In fact, the
community hasn’t used a figure like that since
the 1970s. More recent scientific surveys,
according to gay statistical expert Gary Gates
have been very consistent in showing that
something like 2-4% of adults identify as
LGB.
The bill now goes to the floor in the
House.
Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and
Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced a version
of the bill into the Senate.
In a related development, a judge for
the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled
November 18 that the federal government
violated the constitutional ~ights of a gay
federal attorney when it denied him health
coverage for his same-sex spouse. The two
men were married in California during a
period of five months last year when same-sex
couples could obtain marriage licenses.
Gay cop gay-bashed in
Liverpool, England
A 22-year-old off-duty trainee police
officer was seriously gay-bashed outside the
gay bar Superstar Boudoir in Liverpool,
England, on Oct. 25.
James Parkes was set upon by a gang of 20
youths and suffered multiple skull fractures
and a broken cheek bone and eye socket. He
was hospitalized in critical condition before
being released Oct. 30 to recuperate at home.
Citing language used by the bashers,
police have deemed the assault a homophobic
hate crime.
Twelve of the alleged assailants, some of
whom are ~s young as 13, have been arrested.
4 l:~;~ot oSTAR December 2009
love the Democratic
Party but Will I Respect
Mysd£in the Morning?
by James Nimrod
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As we
GLBTs emerge sweaty and disheveled
fi’om our post-coital ruckus in Maine, I’m
reminded that this is America and everything
is for sale, including our gay/lesbian equality-
-that’s the American way. You want to lmow
how we’re going m sell it?
In 1764 an Italian nobleman named
Cesare Beccaria wrote, "Ifwe glance at the
pages of history, we will find that laws, which
surely are or ought to be compacts of free
men, have been for the most part a mere tool
for the passions of some."
I’m referring to the heartbreakingly close,
yet lost Maine election early in November
where we gays/lesbians thought we had a
better-than-good chance of winning through
the ballot box the recognition of our civil
equality under the law.
Unfortunately; the Religious Right has
used the referendum petition process in 31
states ro turn our citizenship into raffle tickets
for discrimination where the prize is our
continued lack of full equality under the law.
Our civil rights canse has been de-railed 31
times at the bal!ot box by the usual degeption
of the Biblically-dduded using the prejudiced
superstitions that gays recruit and stalk
children and teenagers.
Nor only are gays/lesbians still secondclass
raxpayers, all of the residents of those
31 states, regardless of sexual orientation,
are also honorary members of the Mormon,
Roman Catholic, and Southern Baptist
denominations, to name only three of the
biggest religious oppressors in the USA. I
say this because its the oppressor’s anti-gay
religious POVs that have become encoded
into civil law. ~e United Church of Christ
(UCC), Unitarian, and Reform Judaism
adherents have 1Sassed guidelines allowing
their clergy to perform their mvn versions of
same-gender marriage without recognition
from the resident state. Their First
Amendment religious freedom is blocked by
the actions and money of the theocrats ~vhose
dogma trumps all attempts at fairness and
fulfillment of our lives. Justice guaranteed by
the Constitution is thwarted by ignorance
and prejudice.
Only Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, and Connecticut have
legislatively passed marriage equality for
same-gendered Americans. T’ne state of
Washington earlier this month rejected the
homo-haters attempt to overturn a law called,
"Everything but Marriage."
Since the ballgt box/clvil rights rathe
process is spent and flaccid, activists John
Aravosis and Joe Sudbay are calling for a
boycott or a withholding of contributions
-- Don’t Ask, Don’t Give -- to the Democratic
Party until ~ve get the results they’ve promised
us for years, like passage of employment
protection (ENDA), removal of marriage
discrimination (DO!vIA), and the privilege to
serve in the military (DADT),
.......Continued see VIEW" POINT page
vw,~v.metrostarnews.com
Good news as LGBT’s
grow o der
By Robin Townsend
Contributing X~Triter
LGBTactivist and communi{y leader, Rob
Howard ofOklahoma City. Dorn’erphoto
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __In October,
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary
Kathleen Sebelius announced plans to
establish the nation’s first national resource
center to assist communities across the
country in their efforts to provide services
and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender (LGBT) individuals. It is
estimated that as many as 1.5 to 4 million
LGBT individuals are age 60 and older.
"I’m glad that Health and Human
Services is beginning to realize that the plight
ofLGBT elders needs to be addressed," Rob
Howard of Oklahoma City told the Metro
Star. "Although their current estimate is that
there are tip ro 4 million gay and lesbian
seniors, in the next 10 to 15 years, as the
baby boomer generation reaches retirement
age, there will be twice as many - from 6 to 8
million."
Howard has served in many roles helping
LGBT citizens. Hie is a past Vice President
of Prime Timers Worldwide and now serves
as their treasure. Prime Timers Worldwide
is an educational and social organization for
mature gay and bisexual men. They have 72
chapters, mostly in the US and Canada, but
also in Australia and Sweden. Membership is
nearly 7,000.
"Organizations serving the broader aging
community need to develop policies and
sensitivity to this issue, and work with LGBT
organizations to educate the medical care
and long term care communities about our
issues," he adds. "It is time for mainstream
LGBT organizations to recognize the need,
and to partner with seniors on these issues as
~vell."
HHS reports that many agencies that
provide services to older individuals may be
unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs
of this group of individuals. The center for
LGBT Elders will provide information,
assistance and resources for both LGBT
organizations and mainstream aging services
providers at the state and community level to
assist them in education and development.
The LGBT Center will also be available to
educate the LGBT community about the
importance of planning ahead for future long
term care needs.
"~ae most significant problem
facing LGBT elders is sensitive medical
care and housing," adds Howard. "Most
are desperately afraid that they will be
discriminated against in these settings and
worse, abused by staff and other residents in
long term care. This is a generation that for
the most part has lived their lives in the open.
They aren’t about to tolerate discrimination or
abuse in their golden years."
The LBGT Resource Center plans
to help community-based organizations
understand the unique needs and concerns
of older LGBT individuals and assist them
in implementing programs for local service
providers, including providing help to LGBT
caregivers who are providing care for an
older partner with h~alth or other challenges.
Funding is pending but projected to be
approximately $250,000 per year.
"I applaud the development of this
resource center at HHS. However, the
proposed $250,000 sirigle grant is woefully
short ofwhat is needed to address this
problem, furthers Howard, who is an activist
and well versed in these issues. "To make only
a single grant to establish a resource center
falls far short of the effort that will be needed
across our country in this area."
p e g y
Ch
Eddy Sarfaty treats OKC
to his Mental Hilarity
By Victor Gorin
State Representative AI A4cA~ey with Eddie
Sa,~t): Godn phom
OYJ_AHOMA CITY, OK __On
October 26, an othervdse normal Monday
night leading up to the Halloween
celebrations, the night was interestingly
hilarious for the audience at the 51st Street
Speakeasy, a small intimate eatery & watering
hole not widely known in the metroplex
except to their faithful clientele. This was
where nationally known gay comic Eddie
Sarfaty made a stop on his Mental Tour of the
country.
His audience was warmed up for his act
by !ocal comics Bradchad Porter and Spencer
Hicks before Eddie cut loose with his own
brand of humor. Lampooning political issues
including our military’s "Don’t ask Don’t
tell Polici’ and the joys of his Jewish family
ba&ground, he made fun of numerous other
aspects of gay life and living for everybody.
The audience had many regulars, along
with gays and their friends including DBA
President Monty Milburn and Oklahoma
State Representative A1 McAffrey.
His act also promoted his new book,
"Mental:Funny in the Head," and benefitted
the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. He
left behind his insights and ideas along with
memories of a fun filled evening.
Art Opening and E ibit
w-ith Photographs
from the Robert Giard
Collection
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for
Equality (Old,q) will showcase and exhibit
local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center, 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa.
The exhibit will feature works from world
renmvned photographer Robert Giard (1939-
2002). The show begins with a reception
on Thursday, December 3rd from 6-9pm
and continuing throughout the mofith of
December and throughout January of 2010.
Robert Girad’s subject matter for his
photography is legion and includes landscapes
from his travels and home, nudes and most
significantly, portraits of noted gay and
lesbian literary lights such as Edward Albee,
Allen Ginsberg, Adrienne Rich, David Leavitt
and Michael Cunningham. This unique
archive of photographic portraits of gay and
lesbian writers by the late Robert Giard is on
loan from the Yale University’s Beinecke Rare
Book and Manuscript Libraty.s prestigious
American Collection, and will be on display
through December 2009 and January 2010.
K.C. Chiefs dump player who
called reporters faggots
The Kansas City Chiefs football team
released running back Larry Johnson from the
team Nov. 9 after he called reporters faggots
and called a fellow Twitter user a fag.
In the locker room Oct. 26, Johnson
muttered to reporters, "Get your faggot ass
out of here." The remark was captured on
tape.
A day earlier, he used his Twitter account
to call another ~¢¢itter user a "fag." He also
reportedly tweeted: "Make me regret it.
Lmao. U don’t stop my checks. Lmao. So
’tweet’ away."
Johnson lat,er apologized for the outbursts,
saying he hadn t intended to be offensive and
had not been "a good role modal (for) the
kids who view athletes as role models."
December 2009
www.metrostarnews.com ~%,t~oSTAR 7
~9gith flavor infusions like
Chocolate, Tomato aud Triple
Three Olives Vodka is quickly gaining a
reputation as the gourmand’s drink of choice.
But that doesn’t mean you have to be a food
and beverage snob to get your hands on a
bottle. For less than a Jackson (Andrew, not
Tito), you can snag 750 ml of the smooth
stuffto give as a gift to the host of your next
holiday party. Extra points for playing guest
bartender with this Ho-Ho-Hojito recipe:
Muddle !0 mint leaves and halfa lime in a
tall cocktail glass. Pour in two tablespoons of
simple syrup and fill the glass with ice. Add
two ounces of N~ree Olives Pomegranate
Vodka (and a dash more for good measure)
and top it offwith dub soda. Garnish with a
mint sprig and lime, and voila! Just don’t over
do it, OK. Remember what happened last
),ear? ($19.99; wwvy’~ ~r~:~ >~ c~.~m)
"Suckin" It For the Holidays," Grammynominated,
gay-lovin" colnedienne Kathy
Grifl~n delivers some of her best stand-up ever
on an album that was recorded live from the
Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.
SKIES
Like you need a reason to jet offto a faraway
land - but at least this is a good one. Now
through the end of the year, when you
purchase an American Airlines gift card you’ll
join the fight against breast cancer. For every
$50 you spend in travel gift cards, American
Airlines will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen
for the Cure. You can purchase physical cards
for yourself (to enjoy a guilt-free getaway), or
choose virtual cards to be delivered by e-mail
with a personal message attached. Just enter
code "Komen" in the tracking box when
ordering online. ($50; >~:~:~%#;~A!~O
Mikey Rox is an award-winningjournalist/writer
and thepHncipal ofPaper Rox Scissors, a copywriting
and creative consulting company in New York City.
nd him at ~’~,~,~<l:~,~r?’~;~’~:" ~,~ co~~.
2006 ± is packaged with two concert tapings
A HIGHER ’SCORE’
In season two of "Keeping Score"
- the national project of the San Francisco
Symphony to make classical music more
accessible to the masses - three new programs
explore the music and stories behind Hector
Berlioz’s symphonic love letter "Symphonie
fantastique"; Charles Ives’ sonic portrait of
New England with "Holidays Symphony’;
and Dmitri Shostakovich’s "Symphony No.
5," a work that may have saved the composer’s
life. This high-&f, three-disc documentary
program - a follow-up to season one of the
series, which premiered on PBS in November
and available on Blu-Ray. ($24.99 each;
CALENDARS
’STRiDA’ RITE
Give your hooves a rest with the STPdDA
collapsible bike, the first completely new
bicycle geometry in 95 years. Inside a foldable
triangular frame of light~veight aluminum,
power is transferred to the rear wheel via a
silent Kevlar belt (no oily gears or chains!)
while horizontally mounted handlebars allow
the rider to sit comfortably upright for an
excellent view of the road. When you’re ready
to hop off, just fold STRiDA up and wheel
it to your next destination. In compact form,
the bike stows easily in a car, on the train,
or in the closet. Just like you used to. ($800;
MAIq UP
sweat. Or
maybe it is. Cover up your
natural repellent with
Masculinity by Intense, a
new fragrance from N10Z
formulated ~vith
a unique male-to-male
pheromone. Featuring a
refined composition of
exotic spices, aromatic herbs
and crisp citrus, Masculinity
opens with notes of French basil, West Indian
clove, Asian mandarin and Sicilian bergamot
followed by hints of amber, cedarwood, black
pepper and leather. Holy Hugh Jackman!
Designed to stimulate the vomeronasal organ
(among other "organs"), this sensual scent
also is said to help improve self-confidence.
Whatever works. ($55; v,~ w~#:, I
Out bodybuilder and former Colt
supermodel Bo Dixon releases his first selftitled
calendar, BO DIXON: Reinvented
2010. Celebrating the power of perseverance,
this muscle-worship date keeper features
the hirsute powerhouse in fourteen all-new
photos and comes with a "making-of" DVD.
($16.95; w>,~,i
"Money can’t buy you love, but the rest
is negotiable..." That’s the tagline ofTne
Working Men of Rentboy.com 2010, the
Web site’s third-annual calendar honoring
its hottest porn stars, escorts and boyfriends
for hire. This year’s eye candy includes Nick
Capra, Josh Hart, Arpad Miklos and Tommy
Defendi. ($15.95; W~A~:~I:D~#)¢~;:: ~)~)~)
BRIEF BELIEFS
Piss &Vinegar - the provocative new brand
of underwear from Ginch Gonch founder
Jason Sutherland - has a heart on. For Jesus.
Yes, that Jesus. Made from breathable, bodp
conforming
stretch fabric,
the first release
from this caustic
collection is
the "I Love..."
line, which
features the
controversial "I
Love Jesus" and
"I Love Buddha"
briefs, boxer
briefs, lowrise
briefs and
jockstraps. Of
course, if you’re
not feeling so
sacrilegious this
holiday season,
Piss & Vinegar
- which borrows
its name from
British slang for
living young
at heart - will also introduce "I Love Boys"
and "I Love Girls" briefs. Redeeming, sure.
But you’re still on the shortlist for eternal
damnation. ($25; www4:Asvr~:’g~r.co~rO
SONIC COLOR
Built on the concept of technology meeting
style, DEOS introduces two collections of
innovative iPod earphone covers available at
all price levels. The first, DEOS DIAMOND
- for those who have more cash than they can
shake a peppermint stick at - consists of three
distinct earphone cover styles specifically
named for the number of individual
diamonds imbedded in each traditional or
black titanium design. DEOS CRVZ - for
more budget-conscious consumers - boasts
three collections: Crystal, featuring Swarovski
bedazzlements; Aluminum, available in
an array of metallic colors; and Silicone,
designed with active lifestyles in mind. ($9.99
and up; ~:,~,~w d~:,~v~l; ~ :~ ~:: ~)
8 I¢I÷’IroSTAR December 2009
www.metrostarnews.com
10 ~#%t~"oSTAR December 2009
Photo’s bT Victor G. & Judy G.
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@The End U); Tulsa
@ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ Angles, Oklahoma City
West), and the cocktail that helped popularize
vodka in the U.S., the MosCow Muie (;odka
and ~
new. Polish
@Club 209, Tulsa
By Keith Orr
Vodka 101: ~-he Spirit ofChoice
What better way to start out my
assignment as the host of "Cocktail Chatter"
than to write about my favorite liquor, Vodka.
And I am not alone. Vodka is the best-selling
liquor in America, accounting for over 26%
of all spirit sales. A glance around any gay
bar tells you that in the U.S. gay market that
number is probably higher.
It was not always so. Until tlxe late 1950’s
vodka :was considered an exotic Russian
import. As always, marketing drove the
expansion. Vodka was advertised as "White
¯ Whiskey - no taste, no smefl." Its popularity
skTrocketed as imbibers believed that there
would be no alcohol on their breath and they
would avoid hangovers. It quickly replaced
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ Ledo, Oklahoma City
other spirits in highballs and cocktails. Most
famously it usurped gin as the spirit of
choice in a martini.
Vodka can be made from many base
ingredients: rye, wheat, potatoes, beets,
grapes or grapeseed, molasses, and more.
The ingredients are first fermented, then
distilled. In most ~vestern vodkas the
distillation process produces something
fairly close ro pure alcohol, and water is
added back in. Most high-end vodkas also
filter the spirit as well. All of this distilling
and filtering is the source of the dean taste
that makes vodka so mixable and popular.
Rye and wheat are the most common
sources in well-known brands, with a
smattering of potato vodkas. Molasses is
l~’gely used for mass-producing vodka for
mass market brands. Naough all vodka is
highly distilled, each vodka has a unique
flavor profile as a result of the }esidual
components of the original distillation, as
well as the various methods and materials
used for filtering.
The super premium brands
such as Grey Goose, Belvedere,
or Chopin each have subtle
flavors best appreciated in the
cocktail which features vodka
in a starring role, the martini.
(Martini preparation is anotlxer
column!) My personal favorite
is Absolut’s entry in the
super premium line, Level by
Absolut. Not only do I like the
flavor, I choose it for political
reasons. I support the vodka
that supports me. Absolut
has been a leading supporter
of many gay organizations and events for 30
years.
While martinis feature vodka in a starring
role. the overwhehning popularity of the
beverage is its ability to act in a supporting
role. No other spirit plays so well with others.
Vodka and tonic, vodka and cranberry, vodka
and coke, vodka and diet coke (dubbed dae
"skinny bitch" by the drag queens of Key
pepper
vodkas at least
200 years ago.
Russian and
Scandinavian
vodkas used
herbs and nuts
for flavoring
even earlier.
Today vodkas
are infused
with dozens
of flavors:
lemon, lime,
cranber~
pomegranate,
acai berry,
chocolate,
grapefruit,
peach, and
even bacon.
I like sipping
infused or
flavored
vodkas on the
rocks. They
also can create
new variations
to martinis, cosmos, and a variety of shots.
The beauty of vodka lies in versatility:
Vc~hetl~er you are enjoying the refined and
subtle flavors in a classic martini, or partying
hard with an alcohol that plays well with your
favorite mixer, vodka is the spirit of choice.
www.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~oSTAR 11
~÷~STAR 12 December 2009
by Jack Fertig December 2009
"Put your waRet away, SagRtariusI"
Off and on through the next year Saturn
is square to Pluto, signaling profound
Changes in society and government. As
faster planets aspect them both we will
see opportunities in this crisis. Venus
in Sagittarius shows how to apply new
philosophical values to greater practical
benefit.
ARIES (March 28-Apri~ 19): Work
can be overwhelming, and the demands
of relationships don’t help. The stars
call for an exotic, artistic holiday.
A foreign film or art show can offer
enough escapism, and perhaps~a
new insight to put the pressures into
perspective.
TAURUS (Apri~ 28 - May 20):
intellectual and technical demands can
make it feel as if the world is conspiring
to make you feel brutish and inept. Sex
remains an excellent release of tension.
Explore new techniques - or just lie
back and ask your partner to take care
of you.
GEMiNi {May 21-June 20): Relaxing
and having fun may seem more trouble
than it’s worth, but it is absolutely
necessary. Let your sweetheart do all
the work. Leaving yourself open to
surprises and adventures will do you a
world of good.
CANCER (June 2% July 22): The only
solution to domestic stress involves
real labor. Some exotic tchotchke
from a rummage sale could become the
centerpiece of a new look, providing the
fun and motivation for otherwise dreary
housework.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Obsessing
too hard on details can detract from the
big picture and distract you from normal
safety precautions. There is a difference
between focus (good!) and obsession
(bad!). Some playful diversion will help
you keep perspective.
WRGO (August 23 - September 22):
Everyone’s worried about money these
days; try to keep your own wordes in
perspective. Taking time out with your
family (or origin or of choice)can help
you relax and appreciate what you
have.
MBRA (September 23 - October 22):
Knowing your place in your family and
community is important, but probably
not as much as you make it out to be.
What’s bugging you? Talk it over with a
sibling or a "sister" over an exotic lunch.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): Step away from the plastic! Do
not go near that cash register! At least
stop and think before spending. When
you get worried and dithery, focus on
your philosophical values. Remember
what’s important. "Retail therapy" is not
therapeutic!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22
- December 20): Put your wallet away.
It’s generosity of the spirit that counts.
Friends who want your money.are not
really your friends. Long philosophical
chats around a coffee table can be
much better than expensive nights out.
CAPRICORN (December 2t - January
t9): It’s a good time to forge ahead in
your career and make big chan.ges, but
you can be much too demanding and
aggressive, undermining your own best
efforts. Pay attention to that little voice
inside. Mediation will help.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): In Greek myth, Cassandra’s curse
was to see the future - and nobody
believed her. Your forebodings may
be excessive, but they’re not entirely
wrong. Discuss them with friends you
can count on to help you make better
sense of them.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19):
Your capacity as a mover and shaker
among your friends is sure to get
noticed, but is it the sort of moving and
shaking you want to get noticed? Be
bold in politics and work, discreet in the
bedroom, and always keep your senseof
humor.
Community for
People iving
with
H V/A DS
A 50’! c (3) Non Profit Org~zadon
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HIV+ and
or living withAIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of ou?
people live through each and everyday.
We provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those who are HlV+
an£t or !lying v¢ith AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves. We invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal net
Stevenson has also successfially assisted seven
clients out of the HOPXNrA where they now are
able to live on their own since being them with
employment and other aids to independence from
the progrmn.
We work very., hard to make sure that when
one of our clients’ walks in, they pay nothing;
everything is free," adds Arbudde~ "We have food
supplements, clothing, misc furniture and other
items and even some medical equipment." Other
Options also has arranged for a commission of
sales from Thrift City at 26th and MacArthur to
be donated to Other Options.
"Our success is because I built a great board
and an advisory board," Arbuckle humbly added.
"Our board president is Robert Painter owner
of the Iguana and he has been a tremendous
support." The two met when Painter turned to
Other Options to help meet the immediate needs
of a close friend.
Other Options is inviting everyone over
to their place to celebrate! A~er serving the
community these 20 years, Other Options and
Friends Food Pantry (open for 10 years) is opening
their doors for a Holiday and anniversary Open
House Dec. 1 lth from 4-8 pm. Everyone is
welcome and encouraged to attend the event at the
organization headquarters located at 3003 N. May
in Oldachoma City.
For more information about Other Options
and Friends Food Pantry, please call (405) 605-
8020 or visit www.aidscommunity.org.
In our American two-party political syste~
laws have been made the passionate tools to be
used against us as Beccaria observed centuries ago.
N~e GOP couldn’t care less if GLBTs lived
or died. Did you see Mary Cheney at the
October March on Washington? So that leaves
the Democratic Part3, as the only game in town,
politically spealdng, and they think they have
a monopoly on our aaCfections but with their
repeated stalling and inaction on important gay
issues I’m through believing them. Remember,
it took ELEVEN years for Congress to pass the
Shepard/Byrd Hate Crimes Law, and only two
months for Congress to pass the AMBERAlert in
2002.
The Victorian novelist George Meredith said,
"It’s a terrific decree in life that one must act who
would prevai!." If our GLBT cause is just then we
must act to accomplish it; no one will give it to us
freely.
Until we have a sustained, visible, assertive,
yet peaceful action to justify our equality and
citizenship, we gays/lesbians will continue to be
looked at as just limp-wristed targets for abuse,
politically and physically.
What’s it going to be: always the bridesmaid,
never the bride; always the best man, never the
groom?
& by Greg Fox
A
NOT l-OOKIlq~ FOR: A
N~IA! MAN~ YObl NIAT
AND TtA ~N, A’T
YObl WEF~I::=
OWN "F.V.
Webs~te- w~v.kylecomics.eom F-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.eom
www.thegaycartoonsite.com ema~ ~.not ~, |/~"}/,,~~.g~
~4 December 2009
Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you.
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Open 7days week 2pm to 2am
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN, .
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Service Sunday 10:45 AM
DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN
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637 S. 131st East Ave
Tulsa, OK
www.realacceptance.com
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pm
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
www.mcctulsa.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
CK"
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judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
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Keller \Villiams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSVC’AY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
EUREKA SPRINGS CVB
Eureka Springs, AR
~wvw.eurekasprings.org
~s ~ssues Solunon. Gender Benders
IUINIPIS
IGIAILIA
IOIRtEIL
AIT
HIE
INIEIAIT
IJIAIYIE
IOITIEIR
IWIIlLIL
Ell
IClEIDIE
N S
A ~
N G
A N
B U
~ N
u ~
H
U
N
O
U
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METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve T. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Sunday 6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
www.socmcc.org
Chuck Breckenridge
Whether buying or sdling
I’lt work hard for you.
sales
required.
based.
send resume to:
Metro Star
PC Box 581718
Tulsa, OK 74158
starnews@sbcglobal.com
www.metrostarnews.com ~{~troSTAR 15
its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative.
movement has been thoroughly repudiated tbo@ reali~,."
"What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do,
it’s what we can and must do."
Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the
Oklahoma and national Democratic Pa~.
Working to educate voters and politicians about issaes of the GLBT
community, we are working to make change and shape history.
1"
STATE
~ st Tuesday ofevery month at the
EMOCRAT~C PARTY HEADQUARTERS
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2009] Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 12
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd
Date
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Dec. 1, 2009
Format
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Image
Online text
PDF
Language
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English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Jeanne Flanigan
Rex Wockner
Gerald Libonati
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Devre Jackson
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129
The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2009; Volume 7, Issue 1
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189
adoption
art
Bill Clinton
book signing
Brazil
cocktail chatter
Comics
Council Oak Mens
crossword puzzle
Defense of Marriage Act
Diversity Business Association
DOMA
Eddy Sarfaty
football
Heather Harp Howland
K.C. Chiefs
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Metro scene
Miss Bamboo
National news
Oklahoma News
Other Options
petition
Proposition 8
protest
Qscopes
religion
Robert Giard
Sarah Palin
Sooner State Rodeo Association
Stonewall Democrats
Ugandan bill